Samsung may soon shake up the Android AI ecosystem by integrating Perplexity AI into its flagship smartphones. According to a Bloomberg report (via Android Police), Samsung is in the final stages of securing a partnership with Perplexity, a fast-rising generative AI company. The deal could lead to Perplexity becoming the default AI assistant on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series, launching in early 2026.
Perplexity AI to Rival Google Gemini on Samsung Devices
Currently, Google Gemini serves as the primary AI assistant on most Android smartphones, including Samsung’s latest models like the Galaxy S25 series. However, the upcoming deal suggests that Samsung could pivot toward Perplexity, potentially sidelining Google’s Gemini as the default AI experience.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Samsung plans to pre-install the Perplexity app on the Galaxy S26 and integrate its features directly into Samsung Internet. The AI assistant may also be embedded into Samsung’s native software ecosystem, offering users a seamless and deeply integrated AI experience.
Potential Perplexity Integration with Bixby and Future AI OS
In addition to smartphone integration, Samsung and Perplexity are reportedly exploring ways to merge Perplexity’s capabilities with Bixby, Samsung’s own voice assistant. Although these talks are still in their early stages, such a move could supercharge Bixby with generative AI technology and make it more competitive with Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri.
Even more ambitiously, the two companies are discussing the development of AI-powered operating systems, equipped with multi-agent AI systems that could access and combine functionality from Perplexity and other AI models. While this concept may be further down the road, it shows Samsung’s long-term commitment to AI innovation and user experience.
What This Means for Samsung’s Relationship with Google
Should the deal go through, Samsung’s close collaboration with Google could be impacted. While it’s unlikely that Gemini features will disappear entirely, users may see Perplexity take the lead as the default AI tool, offering an alternative for those seeking diverse AI interactions.
At the very least, this signals a strategic shift in Samsung’s AI strategy, aiming to provide multiple AI assistant options rather than relying solely on Google’s ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy S26 AI Features: What to Expect
Based on the report, here’s what users might get with the Samsung Galaxy S26 series:
- Pre-installed Perplexity AI app
- Deep integration with Samsung Internet
- Potential enhancements to Bixby using Perplexity’s AI
- Optional Gemini integration for users who prefer Google AI tools
- First smartphone lineup to offer multi-assistant flexibility
Samsung Bets Big on AI Customization
The possible inclusion of Perplexity AI on the Galaxy S26 series marks a bold step by Samsung toward AI diversification and greater user choice. If the partnership materialises, Samsung could become the first major smartphone brand to offer a viable alternative to Google’s AI assistant, redefining the Android AI landscape in the process.
