Samsung is preparing to make a bold move in the AI-powered smartphone race. According to recent reports, the tech giant is close to finalizing a partnership with Perplexity, an emerging leader in AI-driven search and generative AI, to preinstall the Perplexity AI app on its upcoming Galaxy S26 series. This strategic shift could see Samsung move away from Google’s Gemini AI, marking a significant industry realignment and potentially redefining the AI assistant landscape for millions of users.
A New Era for Smartphone AI
For years, Samsung has experimented with various AI assistants, from its own Bixby to Google’s Gemini. However, no solution has fully captured the seamless, intelligent experience users crave. Perplexity, known for its advanced generative AI and transparent sourcing of information, stands out by offering not just chatbot capabilities but a robust search platform that cites its sources—an increasingly important feature in the era of AI-generated content.
Bloomberg reports that the partnership with Perplexity will go beyond simple search integration. The AI assistant could be deeply embedded in the Galaxy S26’s operating system, potentially even replacing Bixby as the default assistant. This would give Samsung a unique selling point and could accelerate the adoption of Perplexity’s technology across the global smartphone market.
Industry Implications: The AI Assistant Wars Heat Up
The timing of this move is critical. As every major smartphone manufacturer races to harness generative AI, the ability to offer a differentiated, privacy-conscious, and highly capable assistant is a key battleground. Perplexity’s integration is expected to deliver not only smarter search but also context-aware recommendations, real-time content generation, and advanced productivity features directly on the device.
This partnership also signals a shift in power dynamics within the tech industry. Google’s dominance as the default search and assistant provider on Android devices is being challenged. Insights from the ongoing Google antitrust trial highlight that most users rarely change default settings, meaning Samsung’s choice could significantly boost Perplexity’s market share5.
What Users Can Expect
- Smarter Search: Perplexity’s AI will provide answers with cited sources, reducing misinformation and increasing trust.
- Deep Integration: The assistant will be woven into the Galaxy S26’s core functions, offering hands-free help, personalized recommendations, and intelligent automation.
- Privacy Focus: By leveraging on-device AI capabilities, Samsung aims to enhance user privacy, minimizing data sent to the cloud.
The Road Ahead
If the deal is finalized as expected, the Galaxy S26 will become the first major flagship to ship with Perplexity as its default AI assistant, setting a precedent for future smartphone releases. Analysts believe this could spark a new wave of AI innovation, with other manufacturers likely to explore similar partnerships or develop proprietary solutions to keep pace.
As the AI assistant landscape evolves, consumers stand to benefit from more powerful, transparent, and user-centric experiences on their mobile devices.
