Samsung Galaxy S26 Phones Likely To Get Perplexity AI As Default Assistant

Samsung is reportedly in talks to finalise a wide-ranging agreement with Artificial Intelligence start-up Perplexity AI to embed its search technology into upcoming devices, including the Galaxy S26 series. According to a report by Bloomberg, the deal could reduce Samsung’s dependence on Google services and marks Perplexity’s largest potential collaboration in the mobile device space.

The discussions include plans to preload Perplexity’s app and assistant onto Samsung’s future smartphones. The companies are also exploring integration of Perplexity’s AI-driven search functions into Samsung’s proprietary web browser, Bloomberg reported, quoting sources familiar with the matter.

Additionally, the companies have explored incorporating Perplexity’s technology into Samsung’s existing voice assistant, Bixby, the report added.

The South Korean tech major is reportedly aiming to announce the partnership later this year, with the intention of making Perplexity AI a default assistant option on the Galaxy S26 series, which is expected to debut in early 2026.

The prospective partnership is expected to include a strategic investment, with Samsung anticipated to be a key investor in Perplexity’s upcoming funding round. As per Bloomberg, the AI firm is in advanced talks to raise $500 million at a valuation of approximately $14 billion.

If finalised, the deal would offer Samsung more flexibility in its artificial intelligence offerings and align with its broader strategy of collaborating with multiple AI providers, similar to Apple’s recent approach. The tie-up would also mark Perplexity’s most significant foray into the mobile space, following its earlier agreement with Motorola.

Initial conversations between the two firms began earlier this year. In recent weeks, both parties reportedly held meetings in South Korea, significantly progressing towards a final agreement, the report added.

In addition to integrating search capabilities, the companies are said to be exploring the development of a new AI-enhanced operating system, as well as an AI agent application that could combine functionality from Perplexity and other assistants, as per the report.

Samsung has already collaborated with Google to offer Google Assistant and Gemini as an in-built feature in its Galaxy phones.

In May, Samsung also announced the integration of Google Gemini into its wearables.

“Google Gemini is set to debut on Samsung Galaxy Watches, making its first integration into the Galaxy wearable lineup. This update will extend AI functionalities across the entire Galaxy ecosystem, creating a more cohesive and intelligent user experience,” the smartphone maker said.  

Samsung is expected to launch its Galaxy S26 series in January 2026.

Meanwhile, Perplexity last week introduced Perplexity Labs, a cutting-edge tool designed to help users transform data into charts, tables and spreadsheets. The advanced generative AI features of Perplexity Labs will help users to simplify complex data, especially for research work.

“Using Perplexity is like having a dedicated answer machine available to you 24/7. Using Labs is like having a team. A Perplexity Lab is for anyone who wants to bring an entire idea to life. Labs can craft everything from reports and spreadsheets to dashboards and simple web apps — all backed by extensive research and analysis,” Perplexity said in an official blog post.