Samsung Galaxy S26 Could Debut with Perplexity AI as Default Assistant
Samsung Electronics is reportedly close to finalizing a significant investment in Perplexity AI, as the tech giant looks to integrate the startup’s cutting-edge search and AI assistant technologies into its ecosystem. Sources familiar with the matter say the deal could lead to Perplexity’s app and virtual assistant being pre-installed on future Samsung devices, including smartphones and tablets.
As part of the broader collaboration, discussions are also underway to embed Perplexity’s AI capabilities into Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant, potentially enhancing its performance and user experience. Insiders suggest these upgrades may be unveiled later this year, to make Perplexity-powered tools the default virtual assistant on the Galaxy S26 series, expected in the first half of 2026.
Bloomberg previously reported that the two companies began exploring a partnership earlier this year.
Strategic Investment, Reduced Reliance on Google
Samsung Galaxy s26 is also expected to play a major role as a lead investor in Perplexity’s upcoming funding round, which seeks to raise $500 million at a $14 billion valuation. This move could help Samsung diversify its AI partnerships and reduce its reliance on Google’s services, a strategy similar to Apple’s approach of integrating multiple AI technologies from various providers.
Perplexity Labs: A Glimpse at the Future of AI Productivity
Perplexity AI recently launched Perplexity Labs, an advanced research and data analysis tool powered by generative AI. The platform helps users automatically generate dashboards, tables, spreadsheets, and interactive visuals based on complex queries—handling everything from data gathering to interpretation.
Described in an official blog post as “like working with a full team,” Perplexity Labs can perform web-based research, write and run code, and deliver interactive charts and live data dashboards, all from a single prompt.
The tool is currently available on Android, iOS, and web, with desktop versions for Mac and Windows expected soon. It is offered exclusively to Perplexity Pro subscribers, priced at $20 per month (approximately ₹1,711).
What This Means for Samsung
If the deal is finalized, Samsung could gain a competitive edge by embedding Perplexity’s AI features deep into its device ecosystem. This may redefine the user experience across Samsung’s product line—providing smarter, more personalized, and more capable virtual assistance for everyday tasks.
As AI becomes an increasingly central part of consumer tech, this partnership marks a bold step by Samsung to stay ahead of the curve—and offer a meaningful alternative to dominant players like Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri.