Samsung Reportedly in Talks to Preload Perplexity AI on Future Devices
Samsung may soon shake up its AI strategy by teaming up with emerging search startup Perplexity, according to a Bloomberg report.
Samsung is reportedly negotiating a deal with Perplexity AI to preload the startup’s search application and assistant onto its future smartphones. The discussions also include integrating Perplexity’s AI-powered search tools into Samsung’s native web browser and Bixby, the company’s virtual assistant.
The potential partnership marks a significant shift in Samsung’s AI strategy, reflecting an effort to diversify beyond its reliance on Google. The move follows earlier revelations that Google pays Samsung a substantial amount to maintain Gemini as the default AI option on its devices.
If finalized, the agreement could be unveiled later this year. The Perplexity integration is also expected to debut on the Galaxy S26—Samsung’s flagship smartphone set to launch in the first half of 2026—where it may be offered as an alternative default AI assistant.
The collaboration aligns with Samsung’s apparent broader strategy of collaborating with multiple AI players, similar to Apple’s approach. Perplexity, backed by prominent investors including Jeff Bezos, is already expanding its presence in the mobile space, having recently partnered with Motorola.
Additionally, reports suggest the companies are exploring deeper AI collaborations, including the development of an AI-focused operating system and AI agents. Samsung is also expected to participate in Perplexity’s upcoming funding round, which aims to raise $500 million at a valuation of $14 billion.
The potential tie-up follows disclosures from the Google antitrust trial, where court proceedings revealed the extent of Google’s financial commitments to maintain its search dominance. These included large payments to Samsung and shared revenue from Gemini subscriptions.
Meanwhile, Apple has also shown interest in Perplexity’s capabilities. During the antitrust trial, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, acknowledged discussions with the startup, citing the company’s impressive progress in AI search.
