Samsung Introduces AI Shopping on Lock Screens with Glance AI

Samsung has teamed up with Glance AI, a subsidiary of mobile advertising giant InMobi, to introduce a new generative AI shopping platform on Galaxy smartphones in the US. This platform offers a unique, albeit controversial, shopping experience directly on users’ lock screens.

The core feature uses generative AI to create images of users wearing different outfits based on a photo they provide. These AI-generated looks refresh daily, allowing users to virtually try on clothes and purchase them with a simple tap.

What makes this offering stand out — and raises eyebrows — is its integration with the lock screen. Users can save these AI-generated outfit images as wallpapers, blurring the line between personalization and advertising intrusion.

Importantly, the feature is fully opt-in, giving users control over participation. However, this move signals a broader trend where advertisers leverage AI to embed shopping experiences deeper into everyday device interactions, potentially impacting user privacy and experience.

Glance AI’s lock screen features have varied implementations globally. In India, for example, lock screens display ads alongside news and sports updates. The US rollout on Samsung phones currently avoids ads on the lock screen, but future changes could shift this balance.

The rollout targets Samsung Galaxy S22 through S25 series phones, aiming for full availability within 30 days. While the app will be optional via the Galaxy Store, users might receive prompts encouraging installation.

This development raises questions about the future of lock screen real estate and how much advertising or AI-driven commerce users are willing to tolerate in such a personal space. Will convenience outweigh concerns about privacy and user experience?