Samsung may replace Gemini with Perplexity in Galaxy S26
▼ Summary
– Smartphone makers are competing to integrate AI into devices, but no clear leader has emerged yet.
– Samsung is reportedly planning a major AI shift by partnering with Perplexity for the Galaxy S26 lineup.
– Perplexity is an AI-powered search service that cites sources prominently, differentiating it from pure chatbots.
– The deal would integrate Perplexity into Samsung’s web browser and Bixby assistant, possibly making it the default assistant.
– Perplexity’s inclusion as a default could significantly boost its adoption, as most users stick with pre-set options.
The race to integrate cutting-edge AI into smartphones continues to intensify, with Samsung reportedly considering a major shift in its artificial intelligence strategy. Recent rumors suggest the tech giant may replace Google’s Gemini with Perplexity AI as the default assistant in its upcoming Galaxy S26 series, signaling a potential shakeup in mobile AI partnerships.
Perplexity has emerged as a formidable player in the AI space, differentiating itself by combining generative AI capabilities with transparent source citations. Unlike traditional chatbots that generate responses without references, Perplexity emphasizes credibility by linking back to its information sources. The company gained attention during Google’s antitrust trial when it was revealed that Google had previously blocked Motorola from pre-installing Perplexity on its devices. Despite this setback, Perplexity secured a deal with Motorola for its 2025 Razr lineup, setting the stage for broader adoption.
According to Bloomberg, Samsung is now in advanced discussions to bring Perplexity’s technology to the Galaxy S26. While Motorola uses Perplexity primarily for search functions within its Moto AI system, Samsung’s potential agreement appears far more extensive. If finalized, the partnership could see Perplexity deeply integrated into Samsung’s web browser and even replace Bixby as the default voice assistant.
Default settings wield enormous influence in the smartphone ecosystem, as most users rarely change them. A deal with Samsung would provide Perplexity with massive exposure across millions of devices, potentially accelerating its growth in the competitive AI market. For Samsung, adopting Perplexity could offer a fresh alternative to Google’s ecosystem while reinforcing its commitment to AI innovation. As the Galaxy S26 launch approaches, all eyes will be on whether this rumored collaboration becomes reality.
(Source: Ars Technica)
