Gemini task automation hits Galaxy S26: Google’s AI can now order your lunch and book your rides

9. AI-3

Google and Samsung have officially rolled out Gemini’s highly anticipated task automation feature, making the Galaxy S26 series the first smartphone to act as a true digital agent. The update, which began hitting devices on March 12, 2026, allows the AI to move beyond answering questions and begin performing multi-step actions directly within third-party apps.

Known internally as "Screen Automation," the feature enables users to delegate complex workflows, such as ordering a specific meal from Uber Eats or booking a ride via Lyft, with a single voice command.

Unlike previous iterations of voice assistants that merely opened an app, Gemini now navigates menus, selects items, and builds a digital cart in a secure, sandboxed virtual window that users can monitor in real-time.

"Android is evolving from an operating system to an intelligent system," said Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google. "With Gemini 3.0, the AI understands your goals and handles the 'grunt work' of navigating apps so you can stay in your flow."

Human-in-the-loop safety

Despite the AI's newfound autonomy, Google has implemented strict safety boundaries. Gemini is prohibited from pressing the final "place order" or "pay" button. Once the AI completes the logistical steps, it triggers a haptic notification and hands control back to the user to review the details and authorize the transaction.

Early testers have noted that while the process is currently slower than manual input, sometimes taking up to two minutes to scroll through extensive menus, it excels at background multitasking. Users can continue texting or emailing while watching Gemini’s progress in a live notification window.

Rollout and limitations

The initial launch is a targeted beta available for Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra users in the United States and South Korea. Supported apps currently include:

• Food & Drink: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Starbucks.

• Transportation: Uber and Lyft.

• Coming Soon: Instacart and broader grocery integrations.

Google has confirmed that the Pixel 10 series is next in line for the update, with a wider rollout to other Android 16 devices expected later this year. The feature also includes a tiered usage structure; while free users are capped at five automations per day, "Google AI Ultra" subscribers ($249.99/month) receive up to 120 daily requests.