Samsung has been making bold moves in the world of artificial intelligence, integrating smart features across its Galaxy lineup for some time now. From intelligent photography tweaks to real-time language translation, Galaxy AI has become a major selling point for Galaxy S25 owners. But under the hood, many of those brainy tricks actually rely on Google’s Gemini models. That dependence has proven costly in terms of control, customization, and potential fees.
Now, insiders say Samsung is ready to shake things up. According to Bloomberg, the Korean giant is in advanced talks to partner with Perplexity, the up-and-coming AI assistant startup. If the rumor mill is accurate, Perplexity could become the default AI engine on the next Galaxy S26, marking a significant strategic pivot for Samsung in its quest for independence and innovation.
Perplexity as the Default AI on Galaxy S26
Imagine firing up your brand-new Galaxy S26 and tapping the AI button only to see Perplexity’s signature interface greet you. That’s exactly what Samsung supposedly has in mind. Instead of routing your requests through Gemini, the AI features—like chat assistance, smart search, and generative content—would be powered by Perplexity’s models.
This move would involve preloading the Perplexity app and seamlessly integrating its intelligent assistant into core Galaxy functionalities. Early leaks suggest users might even get exclusive features like context-aware chat bubbles, advanced summarization of articles, and faster on-device processing, thanks to Perplexity’s optimized AI pipelines. It’s a fresh way for Samsung to differentiate its flagship devices in a crowded market.
Why Samsung Wants to Break Free from Google
Over-reliance on a single supplier can be risky, especially when that supplier is a direct competitor in various tech domains. By diversifying its AI partnerships, Samsung hopes to gain more flexibility in crafting unique user experiences. Splitting the AI workload between Google’s Gemini and Perplexity not only reduces potential licensing costs but also lowers the risk of service disruptions if one provider changes terms or performance lags.
Furthermore, Perplexity’s rapid growth and innovative features appeal to a smartphone maker that’s always chasing the latest edge. Samsung is reportedly looking to become a key investor in Perplexity’s upcoming funding round, which aims to raise around $500 million at a valuation near $14 billion. With capital and strategic expertise flowing both ways, the partnership could turbocharge Perplexity’s development roadmap while giving Samsung a more proprietary AI stack.
When Could This Deal Go Live?
Industry insiders anticipate an official announcement sometime in late 2025. That timeline aligns nicely with Samsung’s typical product cycle, as the Galaxy S26 series is expected to debut in early 2026. If the deal closes by year-end, Samsung will have ample time to bake Perplexity into its software framework, beta-test features, and iron out any integration wrinkles.
Of course, neither Samsung nor Perplexity has publicly confirmed the details. But analysts believe an early teaser—perhaps at a Galaxy Unpacked event or a dedicated developer summit—is likely. Samsung is keen to show off how combining in-house optimizations with Perplexity’s AI prowess results in snappier performance and more personalized recommendations across photos, messages, and daily tasks.
The Future of Galaxy AI and Beyond
Even with Perplexity on board, Samsung won’t be packing away Gemini for good. Instead, the brand plans to offer both AI engines side by side. Users who prefer Google’s style can stick with Gemini, while those hungry for a fresh AI voice can switch to Perplexity in settings. This dual-engine approach underscores Samsung’s commitment to choice, ensuring you’re never locked into a single ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Samsung’s AI ambitions extend beyond just assistants. The company is exploring AI-driven camera lenses, advanced health monitoring through wearable integrations, and machine learning shortcuts in its One UI interface. By having multiple AI partnerships, Samsung is laying the groundwork for a more resilient, versatile platform that adapts quickly to user needs and emerging technologies.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, this potential shift promises a more dynamic Galaxy experience. With Perplexity in its corner, Samsung could deliver smarter, faster, and more creative tools right on your phone—no Google antivirus required.
