Samsung Electronics is reportedly nearing a wide-ranging partnership with Perplexity AI, the U.S.–based “answer engine” startup, to deeply integrate its search and conversational AI technologies into Samsung’s ecosystem. †Samsung plans to preload Perplexity’s app and assistant on future Galaxy devices, possibly making it the default AI option for the Galaxy S26, slated to launch in early 2026.† This integration also includes embedding Perplexity’s search tools into the Samsung Internet browser and enhancing Bixby with Perplexity-powered responses.† Moreover, Samsung is expected to invest in Perplexity’s upcoming funding round, which seeks $500 million at a $14 billion valuation—potentially positioning Samsung as a lead investor.†
Why This Shift Matters
This strategic move represents a key step in Samsung’s bid to diversify beyond Google’s services, especially as the company currently relies heavily on Google’s Gemini AI within its Galaxy AI suite.† Positioning Perplexity as a core AI partner might offer Samsung more control over its technology stack, similar to Apple’s approach of collaborating with multiple AI providers to reduce dependency.† For Perplexity, it marks its largest mobile partner deal—expanding its reach far beyond its existing integration with Motorola’s Razr and Edge devices.†
OpenAI Talks and the Stargate Connection
Additional reports suggest that Samsung held a high-level meeting in Seoul with executives from OpenAI and SoftBank, discussing potential involvement in the Stargate Project—a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative led by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle.† While no formal announcement has been made, this gathering signals Samsung’s interest in larger AI collaboration and infrastructure investment.† At present, these discussions remain exploratory with no confirmed product integrations.†
What It Could Look Like in Practice
Should the Perplexity deal materialize, users may see:
- Perplexity Assistant pre-installed or offered as default on Galaxy devices
- Conventional search replaced or supplemented by Perplexity-powered AI search in Samsung Internet
- A next-generation AI-boosted Bixby assistant, leveraging Perplexity’s intelligence
- A potential new AI-native OS or multi-agent hub app in the longer term†
Samsung could unveil details later this year, with broader rollout across products via the Galaxy S26 in early 2026.†
Strategic Implications
This potential shift carries several broader implications:
- Samsung could achieve greater independence from Google’s AI stack
- It reflects a multi-source AI strategy, reducing vendor lock-in risk
- Perplexity stands to gain scale via Samsung’s extensive device ecosystem
- Samsung aligns itself with larger infrastructure efforts, building influence in future AI infrastructure projects through OpenAI/SoftBank collaboration.
Summary
Samsung appears poised to redefine its AI strategy by potentially partnering with Perplexity AI—integrating its assistant and search across its flagship Galaxy ecosystem and investing heavily in the company. In parallel, exploratory talks with OpenAI and SoftBank hint at larger ambitions related to global AI infrastructure. As AI becomes central to mobile and consumer ecosystems, Samsung’s moves could reshape its software identity and competitive landscape.
