Goodbye Google: Is Samsung flirting with Perplexity AI?

Samsung Electronics is on the verge of a far-reaching partnership with US-based AI startup Perplexity AI. According to news agency Bloomberg, the two companies are currently negotiating a strategic investment as part of a funding round in which Perplexity aims to raise around 500 million US dollars. The valuation of the young company is estimated at approximately 14 billion US dollars.

At the heart of the planned cooperation is the deep integration of Perplexity technology into future Samsung devices. The AI-powered search app from Perplexity is expected to come pre-installed on upcoming smartphones, such as the Galaxy S26. In addition, Perplexity’s search functions are to be embedded directly into Samsung’s Internet browser. Users will also be able to choose Perplexity AI as an alternative default assistant alongside Google Gemini or Samsung’s own service Bixby. According to the report, discussions are also underway to integrate parts of Perplexity’s technology directly into Bixby.

The partnership apparently goes beyond simple app integration. Internal considerations at Samsung point toward a more comprehensive AI system that could eventually evolve into its own “AI-infused operating system”. Dedicated applications bundling various AI agents — for instance, for task planning or information retrieval — are also under discussion.

Strategically, Samsung aims to reduce its dependence on Google’s AI services. At the same time, the company seeks to strengthen its position in competition with Apple, which, according to Bloomberg, has also expressed interest in Perplexity. For Perplexity, the deal with Samsung would represent its largest partnership in the mobile sector to date, following a smaller collaboration with Motorola. An official announcement could come later this year. The first pre-installed Perplexity features are expected with the Galaxy S26, which is likely to launch in the first half of 2026.

With the planned investment in Perplexity, Samsung is sending a clear signal for greater technological independence and leadership in the AI sector. If the partnership proceeds as planned, it could not only fundamentally change the user experience on Samsung devices but also have a lasting impact on competition in the global smartphone market.