Samsung Electronics has launched its 2026 AI WindFree air conditioner that detects a user’s location and adjusts airflow. Marking the 10th anniversary of its WindFree technology, it changed the design for the first time in 7 years and added sensor-based cooling control functions.

Samsung Electronics on Wednesday held a media briefing at its Umyeon R&D Campus and unveiled two lineups: the Bespoke AI WindFree Combo Gallery Pro (stand type) and the Bespoke AI WindFree Combo Pro Wall-Mounted.

The WindFree lineup is one of Samsung Electronics’ steady sellers. Since first launching the WindFree air conditioner in 2016, the company has sold a cumulative 13 million units in South Korea alone. It applies WindFree technology across the full lineup, including stand, wall-mounted and ceiling models, and sells several million units a year in global markets.

Shin Mun-seon (신문선), an executive director in the Air Solution Development Team of Samsung Electronics’ DA Business Division, said the AI Motion Air feature upgraded the user-centered cooling experience. He said the company would strengthen leadership in the global air conditioner market based on differentiated technology.

The key feature of the new products is AI Motion Air. They include a motion radar sensor that detects a user’s location, activity level and absence every second. Based on the sensor, the air conditioner offers 6 modes: AI Direct, which sends air toward where the user is; AI Indirect, which sends air away from the user; Circulation, which rotates left and right to circulate the space; Long Distance, which sends air up to 8.5 meters; WindFree, which cools without direct airflow; and Max, which is 19 percent faster than the previous model.

A Motion Blade air outlet creates these airflows by dividing the left-right and center areas for concentrated cooling. When both left and right airflow operate at the same time, they gather toward the middle to produce strong airflow. When only one side is stronger, the airflow direction changes left or right. Samsung Electronics’ measurements showed the time to lower indoor temperature from 33 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius fell to 7 minutes 18 seconds from 9 minutes in the previous model.

The wall-mounted model uses a dual-blade structure to send airflow up to 6 meters and allows 7 airflow controls in total, including vertical direction. Its power-saving efficiency when it detects no people using the motion radar sensor improved by up to 58 percent from the previous model.

A Comfort Dehumidification feature was also added. It adjusts refrigerant flow according to indoor humidity to cool only part of the heat exchanger. It can lower humidity without significantly dropping temperature, and energy use fell by up to 30 percent versus the existing dehumidification function.

◆"Form and function follow meaning"...Implementing Porcini design philosophy

Samsung Electronics has fully redesigned the product’s design. It reflects the principle, "Form and function follow meaning," that Mauro Porcini, Samsung Electronics’ chief design officer, applies across overall design work.

In this design, "form" is shown through a 30 percent slimmer width and minimized protrusion. "Function" is expressed through the front metal WindFree holes. The "meaning" contained in these two elements is described as "an air conditioner that exists as part of the space." It is an approach that prioritizes the relationship with the space, rather than centering on the product.

Kim Hyun-soo (김현수), head of the group in charge of air solution design at Samsung Electronics, said the company focused on the essential element of "air." He said the design carries the meaning of delivering comfort while operating quietly even when users are not aware of it.

It also added a fabric-texture pattern on the sides. It will be released in 4 colors: Essential White, Essential Plum, Satin Greige and Misty Gray. The wall-mounted model comes in one white option, leaving only vertical and horizontal grid lines so it continues into the wall surface.

Samsung Electronics also improved cleaning convenience. The Bespoke AI WindFree Combo Gallery Pro allows users to detach the front panel and internal fan with a single button. It applies a water-washable filter to reduce the burden of replacement costs. The wall-mounted model uses the same method. It also includes a Wearable Good Sleep feature that links with the Galaxy Watch. The air conditioner adjusts temperature in line with sleep stages detected by the watch.

Shin said the company had many concerns before releasing a product that surpasses the previous model. He said it focused on reflecting needs confirmed through consumer research in the product.