Perplexity AI might put Gemini in the backseat on Samsung Galaxy S26 series

Samsung might be looking to shake things up a bit in the AI department with its upcoming Galaxy S26 series. A fresh report suggests that Samsung is deep in talks to embrace Perplexity AI, a rising star in the artificial intelligence space, for its future devices, potentially starting with the Galaxy S26 series. This is a pretty unexpected change, granted that Google has been using Samsung phones to highlight many recent AI features, including things like Gemini.

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Samsung Electronics Co. is nearing a comprehensive agreement with Perplexity AI. This isn’t just about adding another app. The discussions reportedly involve preloading Perplexity’s app and assistant on upcoming Samsung devices. More intriguingly, Perplexity’s search features could be woven directly into Samsung’s native web browser and even its own Bixby virtual assistant. The goal, it seems, is to offer Perplexity as a default assistant option on the Galaxy S26 lineup, expected to arrive within the next few months.

This potential partnership apparently goes beyond just clever software integration. The Bloomberg report also indicates that Samsung is poised to become a significant investor in Perplexity AI. The AI startup is reportedly in advanced discussions to raise a hefty $500 million, valuing it at an impressive $14 billion. Samsung’s financial backing would be a major vote of confidence, essentially betting big on Perplexity’s vision.

So, why would Samsung consider such a pivot, especially after making a big show of its Google AI integrations? Well, here’s what I think. While its recent Galaxy S24 and S25 series showcased deep integration with Google’s AI, including features like Circle to Search and enhanced Gemini capabilities, perhaps relying so heavily on one partner felt a bit too restrictive for Samsung’s grander AI ambitions. By exploring alternatives like Perplexity, Samsung could be looking to diversify its AI offerings, reduce its dependence on Google, and ultimately, craft a more unique Galaxy identity. It’s a strategy not unlike Apple’s, which is also reportedly exploring various AI developers, ironically, including Google.

For us users, this could mean a refreshingly different kind of AI experience. The dream, of course, is an assistant that not only dazzles with new AI tricks but also reliably handles the everyday tasks we’ve come to expect — much like a supercharged Google Assistant. If Perplexity can nail that balance, offering its straightforward, citation-backed search alongside comprehensive assistant capabilities, it could be a winner.

The discussions between Samsung and Perplexity have apparently progressed significantly, with recent meetings in South Korea reportedly helping to solidify the agreement. There’s even talk of the two companies collaborating on an “AI-infused operating system.” Now that’s a phrase that sparks curiosity about Samsung’s long-term vision and something that I am actually looking forward to.

While this potential shift doesn’t necessarily spell the end of their collaboration with Google, it does strongly suggest Samsung is keen to chart its own distinct course in the AI race. We’ll just have to wait for a few months to see if this partnership with Perplexity AI will give Samsung an edge over other Android phone makers.