Samsung is reportedly getting closer to a deal that would bring Perplexity AI’s technology directly onto its smartphones. According to Bloomberg, the company is in advanced talks to preload Perplexity’s search app and assistant on upcoming Galaxy devices. The deal could also make Perplexity a core part of Samsung’s web browser and even its voice assistant, Bixby.

Samsung aims to make Perplexity the default assistant in its Galaxy S26 lineup, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2026. While nothing is finalized yet, Bloomberg reports that the companies are already planning a broader integration, and the announcement could come as early as this year.

The partnership talks also include plans to co-develop an AI-powered operating system and a new AI agents app. This app could connect to Perplexity and other assistants.

Samsung is also expected to be one of the lead investors in Perplexity’s upcoming funding round. In May, Bloomberg reported that the company is raising $500 million at a $14 billion valuation.

A search alternative that goes beyond Google

This deal could reduce Samsung’s reliance on Alphabet’s Google, which currently powers much of the search functionality on Samsung devices.

It would also mark Perplexity’s biggest mobile integration so far. The startup recently signed a deal with Motorola to preload its answer engine and assistant on Motorola’s latest smartphones globally. Samsung would be a much bigger win, both in user base and global market reach.

Apple is also watching Perplexity

The partnership is similar to Apple’s current strategy. The company is exploring ways to use Perplexity as a potential alternative to Google Search and as a substitute for ChatGPT. Eddy Cue, Apple’s SVP of Services, recently said that AI search tools have contributed to a drop in Safari search usage, but Google has claimed that its search query volumes are still growing.

If Apple and Samsung both move toward Perplexity or other emerging AI providers, it could mean that two of the world’s biggest smartphone makers are considering search experiences that bypass traditional engines like Google.

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