Samsung officially announced the integration of Perplexity AI into its Galaxy AI suite. This move marks a major shift toward a “multi-agent ecosystem,” where users can choose between different AI assistants—such as Google Gemini, Bixby, and now Perplexity—depending on the task.
The integration is set to debut with the Galaxy S26 series, which will be officially unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco on February 25, 2026.
Key Features of the Integration
Unlike a standard app, Perplexity is being woven into the device at a system level, allowing it to behave like a native assistant.
- Dedicated Wake Phrase: Users can summon the assistant hands-free using the hotword “Hey Plex.”
- Physical Shortcut: Similar to Google Gemini, Perplexity can be mapped to the side button (power button) for quick access via a long press.
- App-Level Intelligence: Perplexity will have “framework-level” access to core Samsung apps, including Notes, Calendar, Gallery, Clock, and Reminders.
- Example: You can ask Perplexity to research a topic and have it automatically draft a summary directly into Samsung Notes or create a schedule in Calendar.
- Multi-Step Workflows: Samsung’s goal is for these agents to work together. For instance, Bixby might handle on-device controls (like “Turn on Do Not Disturb”), while Perplexity handles complex web-based research and reasoning.
Strategic Rationale: The “Orchestrator” Model
Samsung’s internal research revealed that nearly 8 in 10 users now rely on more than two types of AI agents. Rather than forcing users into a single “walled garden” (like Apple Intelligence), Samsung is positioning Galaxy AI as an orchestrator that lets users pick the best tool for the job.
- Open Ecosystem: By adding Perplexity alongside Google Gemini, Samsung is reducing its total dependence on Google while offering a more “citation-heavy” search experience that Perplexity is known for.
- Pro Subscription Perk: Reports suggest that Galaxy S26 buyers may receive 12 months of Perplexity Pro for free, giving them access to advanced models like GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet through the Perplexity interface.
Availability & Rollout
- Primary Launch: The feature will lead the One UI 8.5 software experience on the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.
- Backwards Compatibility: Samsung has hinted that the deep Perplexity integration will eventually roll out to older flagships (like the S25 and S24 series) via a future software update.
