Samsung Electronics surpassed a cumulative sales figure of 100,000 units in the domestic market just over a year after launching its all-in-one washer-dryer "Bespoke AI Combo" and aims to sell more than twice that amount in global markets, including domestic sales this year, with a new product lineup. A premium lineup called "Infinite AI Combo" is also scheduled for release within the year.
Sung Jong-hoon, head of the clothing care development group at Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions Division, noted on the 22nd that "internal research results showed that Samsung Electronics has a 70% market share in integrated washer-dryers," adding, "We are focused on developing technologies that resolve consumer inconveniences to launch innovative products aiming for over double the sales compared to last year."
Samsung Electronics first launched the Bespoke AI Combo in February last year and introduced a new model for 2025 in March that enhances performance and convenience features. Since its launch, the Bespoke AI Combo has sold an average of over 230 units per day.
The new product unveiled by Samsung Electronics maintains the same exterior dimensions while increasing the drying capacity from the previous model by 3 kg, achieving a maximum domestic drying capacity of 18 kg. The time taken for the entire process from washing to drying, based on the quick course, has been shortened from 99 minutes to 79 minutes, a 20-minute reduction.
To enhance drying performance, Samsung Electronics has maintained the size of the heat exchanger while arranging the fins on the heat exchanger more densely than before, increasing the heat transfer surface area by 8.5%.
Sung explained that "as the heat transfer surface area increases, moisture from the high-temperature, humid air passing through the laundry can be removed more quickly," adding, "The dried air then re-enters the drum, allowing it to absorb more moisture from the laundry, thus improving drying efficiency."
A duct system has also been implemented. Air passing through the laundry is directly connected to the heat exchanger through a duct embedded in the rear of the product, circulating to enhance drying efficiency.
The new product uses AI to detect the weight, fabric, and degree of contamination of laundry, providing optimal washing course adjustments. Various data such as the weight of the laundry, surface friction characteristics, and absorption characteristics are learned through machine learning to automatically detect and differentiate fabric types.
Fabrics that can be recognized by AI now include existing delicate, towel, and regular fabrics, with denim and outdoor materials added. Sung stated, "Since adding hot water to jeans can cause dye transfer, AI detection allows for more cold water to be used and ensures even drying to the hem of the pants," and noted, "Outdoor materials have been adjusted to minimize surface friction to reduce wear, thus maintaining water repellency."
The 7-inch "AI Home" touch screen applied to the top of the product features a dial theme displaying six frequently used courses in a dial format, along with a "Quick Panel" function for easy device settings, just like a smartphone.
The power consumption per kilogram of laundry during washing is 45% lower than the minimum standard for energy efficiency grade 1. The power consumption during drying has also been reduced to a quarter of the level compared to existing all-in-one washer-dryers using condensation methods.
Following the launch of the Bespoke AI Combo in over 30 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany last year, Samsung Electronics plans to expand its sales regions this year to include India, Turkey, and South Africa, targeting a total of 43 countries.
Recently, the company launched the "Bespoke AI Vent Combo," which employs a venting drying method that is favored by American consumers, accelerating its strategy in the North American market. This move aims to increase the market share of washer-dryers in North America. Sung mentioned, "We plan to launch our ultra-premium lineup, the 'Infinite AI Combo,' within the year, which is currently under development."
The Infinite AI Combo using the heat pump method features a design that optimizes light reflection through its sophisticated and delicate "Longart Hairline" technique. It implements a seamless interior with a 'real flat design' that has no protruding surfaces.
The Infinite AI Combo is also expected to include features that resolve consumer inconveniences. Sung highlighted that "not only the heat pump method but also the vent type and the infinite line are expanding consumer choices," and added, "We will lead the transformation of the global washing machine market based on our leadership in integrated washer-dryers."
With the rising popularity of integrated washer-dryers, the share of all-in-one washer-dryer products, including the Bespoke AI Combo, in the domestic washer and dryer market increased from 14.1% in the first half of last year to 21.6% in the second half.