There have been loads of references to AI at in the present day’s Galaxy Unpacked event. However Samsung is not alone; practically each main smartphone launch in recent times has included new AI options or partnerships with AI corporations.
Samsung launched its newest iteration of Galaxy AI, debuting it alongside Galaxy S26 phones. This follows weekend news that the corporate plans to combine Perplexity’s AI agent — and even help a “Hey Plex” wake phrase — on its new telephones. However the partnership seems to transcend merely giving Samsung customers one other AI choice.
Since late 2023, phone-makers have been leapfrogging each other so as to add generative AI options and combine AI brokers. Practically each new Android phone helps Google’s Gemini assistant. Apple’s iPhones combine OpenAI’s ChatGPT into the cellphone’s Visible Intelligence function and its Siri overhaul will incorporate Google’s Gemini AI fashions.
Whereas Perplexity has partnered with phone-makers reminiscent of Motorola to preload its app — and has been built-in into devices for Deutsche Telekom — having its AI and fashions constructed straight into telephones from the world’s largest producer places the corporate on a a lot larger stage. It marks a shift towards AI brokers being simply one other device individuals select to make use of, very similar to a cellphone app.
“Step one towards an agentic cell ecosystem is the person getting to decide on no matter agent they need,” Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity’s chief enterprise officer, instructed CNET. “I believe that is the place Samsung is taking an enormous, massive leap ahead.”
Watch this: First Take a look at the Galaxy S26 Extremely: Digital camera, Battery and AI Updates
Perplexity’s Sonar API powers features of Samsung’s Galaxy AI ecosystem. Shevelenko stated that the corporate’s engineers labored intently with Samsung’s crew to revamp its Bixby assistant on the framework stage, getting deep system entry. He famous that it is the first time a third-party AI firm has achieved parity on a significant cell OS. The Galaxy S26 phones that Samsung introduced help the brand new “Hey Plex” wake phrase, placing Perplexity shoulder-to-shoulder with Google’s Gemini AI assistant, which is built-in into Android on Samsung units.
“What’s distinctive is the one different firm that has it’s Google, proper?” stated Shevelenko. “It is an actual paradigm shift for Samsung to be going right into a multi-AI path, the place they’re giving their customers selection. And I believe they see this as a strategic differentiator.”
Samsung’s inclusion of Perplexity touches most of the firm’s personal apps together with Calendar, Clock, Gallery, Notes and Reminders. The advantage of structuring Perplexity’s AI deeply into Samsung’s software program is that individuals can have a lighter interplay with their telephones. Versus unlocking their gadget, navigating the house web page, opening the app and coming into a question, individuals will be capable to merely press a button, say, “Hey Plex,” beginning their search inside seconds.
In 2025, Deutsche Telekom launched an AI Telephone powered by Perplexity. The Magenta AI brand within the heart of the lock display screen prompts Perplexity’s agent.
However the integration of Perplexity is not restricted to Bixby. Shevelenko stated Samsung’s browser, aptly named Web, consists of agentic shopping utilizing Perplexity’s Comet know-how as properly.
Such a major second for Perplexity naturally attracts parallels to Apple and its partnership with OpenAI, which has partnered with former Apple designer Jony Ive for its personal hardware efforts. Once I requested Shevelenko about the potential for Perplexity making its personal cellphone or {hardware}, he responded emphatically, “No.”
“We’re laser-focused on working with all the most effective OEMs,” he stated. “Our factor we’re world-class at is constructing correct AI that’s simple to make use of and pleasant to make use of and rising that curiosity.”
And whereas we look ahead to Samsung to announce new telephones, it will be attention-grabbing to see how Galaxy cellphone homeowners use the cellphone’s AI brokers. Quickly, individuals may say, “Hey Google” into their Samsung units to immediate Gemini, or “Hey Plex” to set off a question with Perplexity. And choices are often factor.
Samsung didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
