Samsung, a heavyweight in the smartphone world, might be gearing up for a notable pivot in its artificial intelligence strategy. According to recent reports, the company is close to finalizing a deal with AI startup Perplexity. If this goes through, we could see Perplexity either replacing Google Gemini or becoming a key alternative on the Galaxy S26 series. It’s a move that seems to signal Samsung’s intent to break away—at least a bit—from relying solely on Google’s AI ecosystem.
A New Direction for Galaxy AI
Up until now, especially with the current Galaxy S25 lineup, Samsung has leaned heavily on Google Gemini. It powers a range of smart features, from the popular Circle to Search to other deeply integrated AI tools. It’s been a central pillar of Samsung’s “Galaxy AI” branding. But now, the winds appear to be shifting.
Insiders suggest that Samsung and Perplexity are already deep in talks. The plan? Integrate Perplexity’s AI-powered search app and assistant straight into future Galaxy phones. We’re talking about more than just a downloadable app. Think pre-installed software, search capabilities woven into Samsung’s native Internet browser, and even parts of Perplexity’s tech finding a home in Bixby, Samsung’s own digital assistant.
Why Perplexity? The Appeal of an “Answer Engine”
Perplexity markets itself not just as another chatbot but as an “answer engine” that synthesizes information from across the web with real-time citations. Its strength lies in pulling in verified data, wrapping it into a conversational format, and telling you where the information came from. That kind of transparency—especially in an age of questionable AI outputs—is a pretty big deal.
For Samsung, there are some compelling reasons to consider a partnership like this:
- Diversifying AI Partners: Moving away from a single AI provider isn’t a new idea. Apple, for example, is reportedly exploring a multi-partner approach too. For Samsung, this means more control, more customization, and less dependency on Google.
- Boosting Search and Assistant Experiences: If integrated well, Perplexity could give Samsung users a more grounded and informative AI assistant—especially valuable for research or info-heavy queries.
- Breathing New Life into Bixby: Let’s be honest—Bixby hasn’t exactly been a standout. But with Perplexity’s tech, Samsung might finally be able to elevate Bixby into something more competitive.
- Long-Term AI Visions: There are whispers of even bigger ideas too, like a new AI-powered operating system or a sort of AI hub that works across different assistants. That might not happen overnight, but it’s on the table.
The Investment Side of Things
It’s not just about software integration. Samsung is also reportedly eyeing a big investment in Perplexity as the startup seeks to raise hundreds of millions. If Samsung jumps in, it would deepen the partnership and solidify their commitment. And frankly, it would show that Samsung sees real long-term value in what Perplexity is building.
What About Google and Gemini?
Now, this does raise some interesting questions about Google’s role moving forward. Gemini has been a cornerstone of the Galaxy AI rollout, especially on devices like the Galaxy S25. And Google pays Samsung quite a bit to remain the default option, according to past antitrust documents.
If Samsung moves to offer Perplexity as a competing default or alternative, it could impact Google’s visibility and revenue—at least on Galaxy devices. It doesn’t mean Samsung’s ditching Android or cutting ties with Google, but it definitely points to a desire for more independence in the AI space.
Remember Motorola?
Interestingly, Samsung wouldn’t be the first to explore this route. Motorola has already baked Perplexity’s AI assistant into its latest Razr and Edge 60 series phones. That move gave users an early taste of what a Perplexity-powered phone could feel like—and apparently, it turned some heads.
All that said, nothing’s official just yet. These talks are reportedly in advanced stages, but things could still shift. If an announcement comes, it might not be until later this year, with the Galaxy S26 launch expected in early 2026.
Still, this potential partnership is a big signal. It highlights how fast the AI landscape is evolving, and how smartphone makers are hustling to carve out their own AI identities. For users, this could mean more options, more tailored experiences, and maybe even a break from the one-size-fits-all approach we’ve seen in the past.
If the Samsung-Perplexity deal does go through, it won’t just be a new chapter for Galaxy phones. It could also reshape how we think about AI assistants on mobile devices entirely.
