Galaxy S26 Gets Smarter: Samsung Taps Perplexity AI for Future Phones

Samsung Taps Perplexity AI for Future Phones

News has been doing the rounds that Samsung Electronics Co. is partnering with Perplexity AI, a newcomer to the market known for its AI-powered search service that excels in source-based, transparent peripheral AI search. This partnership could enable the integration of Perplexity’s technology into the Galaxy S26 series, where it could replace Gemini as the default voice assistant. The deal, to be announced later in 2025, could also mean Samsung investing to integrate Perplexity’s search technology into Samsung devices.

Partnership Derailed

The partnership appears to be at an advanced stage as it is being tracked by Bloomberg and Android Police. An announcement is expected before 2025. The integration of Perplexity is expected to go live with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2025. Below are the possible candidates that could be included in the collaboration.

Untitled-design-18-300x164 Galaxy S26 Gets Smarter: Samsung Taps Perplexity AI for Future Phones

Pre-installation

Perplexity’s app would be pre-installed on the Galaxy S26 so that users can access it immediately.

Browser Integration

Perplexity’s features will be embedded in Samsung Internet to improve search capabilities.

Bixby Extension

Perplexity’s technology could be integrated into Samsung’s Bixby assistant, but this is doubtful.

Investment

Samsung has invested in Perplexity, which may further boost the startup’s collaboration and growth.

In addition, the companies have set their sights on more far-reaching plans, such as developing entire frameworks for AI-powered operating systems and integrating agent systems that allow multiple AI vendors to work together, although these initiatives are not as immediate.

The Market Advantage of Perplexity AI

Unlike its competitors ChatGPT and Google Gemini, Perplexity AI sets itself apart by offering search results with source citations, as other competing services do. This provides users with a more transparent and verifiable information experience. The company was in the spotlight during the Google search antitrust case after it was revealed that Google had prevented Motorola from using Perplexity on its 2024 phones. Nonetheless, Perplexity is now integrated into the Razr 2025 phones, showing that the company is expanding its footprint in the mobile AI industry.

Background to Google’s Antitrust Issues

Google’s influence in the smartphone market is significant due to brokerage agreements that ensure its products, such as Gemini, are integrated into Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series. Nevertheless, Google’s concessions in relation to the search antitrust review decisions have led to some relaxation of exclusivity requirements. As a result, Samsung and other manufacturers now have the opportunity to work with alternative AI providers such as Perplexity. Motorola, for example, has used AI from Meta, Microsoft, Perplexity and Google on its Razr 2025 mobile phones.

Impact on Samsung’s AI Ecosystem

The switch to Perplexity could diversify Samsung’s AI ecosystem and thus mark a decisive turning point. Although Samsung is a partner of Google to the extent that Samsung has integrated Gemini into some of its newer devices, by purchasing Perplexity, Samsung could offer its users an AI-powered, customised search experience. This is in line with the general pattern of smartphone manufacturers integrating sophisticated AI features into new devices in order to remain competitive.

The collaboration could change the way users interact with the user interface. Most users don’t change the default settings, so setting Perplexity as an assistant on the Galaxy S26 could catch the majority of users. At the moment, it is still unclear whether Gemini will be removed from the programme completely or whether users will be able to switch between several AI assistants.

Current Status and Future Prospects

There are still some details, such as the allocation of boundaries, that Samsung and Perplexity have yet to discuss. The two parties have met in South Korea and agreed on some basic principles, suggesting that the collaboration is very likely to move forward. It is possible that the collaboration will go beyond the Galaxy S26 to include other Samsung devices and perhaps realign the company’s approach to AI technology.

This shift highlights the increasing competition in the market for AI assistants for smartphones, as well as the rapidly growing role of AI in smartphones. These collaborations with startups like Perplexity will redefine the mobile technology landscape as Samsung seeks to enhance its devices with cutting-edge AI technology.

Conclusion

The potential partnership with Perplexity AI represents a remarkable step forward for Samsung in the development of mobile AI. Samsung is looking to utilise Perplexity’s transparent search technology to enhance the AI capabilities in the Galaxy S26 and provide users with a unique, verifiable information experience. Although the agreement is not yet confirmed, it will strengthen Samsung’s AI ecosystem and influence the smartphone industry as Google has relaxed its exclusivity policy.

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