Samsung Electronics is nearing a significant partnership with Perplexity AI Inc to preload its app on Samsung devices. The integration aims for a rollout on the upcoming Galaxy S26, with discussions on further incorporating Perplexity’s technology into Bixby and a new operating system. Samsung may also become a major investor in Perplexity’s funding round, while Apple shows interest in collaborating with the startup.
Samsung Electronics is closing in on a major deal with Perplexity AI Inc, a startup in the realm of artificial intelligence search technology. As reported by Bloomberg, negotiations are underway to preload Perplexity’s app and virtual assistant on Samsung’s upcoming devices. The company also wants to weave Perplexity’s search capabilities into its web browser, alongside some features possibly finding their way into Bixby, Samsung’s own virtual assistant.
The plan is to showcase these new Perplexity integrations as soon as this year, aiming for them to become a default option on the anticipated Galaxy S26, expected to hit shelves in the first half of 2026. Although talks are progressing, insiders mention that the details of the deal still hang in the balance, and things could shift as discussions continue.
Until now, Samsung primarily leaned on Google’s Gemini to power a variety of AI functions in its Galaxy lineup. However, this new partnership with Perplexity suggests a strategic pivot towards diversifying its AI capabilities and reducing dependence on Alphabet Inc’s Google.
Additionally, Samsung seems poised to step beyond being just a technology partner. Reports suggest it will play a prominent role in Perplexity’s imminent funding round, potentially becoming one of its largest backers. Perplexity aims to cap off its funding at $500 million, seeking a hefty valuation around $14 billion, according to Bloomberg News.
This collaboration could allow Samsung to branch out to work with a wider array of AI developers, somewhat mimicking Apple Inc.’s strategy with its ecosystem. Also, for Perplexity, this could be a landmark mobile partnership – previously, they had only secured a deal with Motorola, which pales in comparison.
Exploration of this partnership began earlier this year, and talks have ramped up, with representatives from both companies meeting recently in South Korea. Besides the prospect of integrating Perplexity’s capabilities into Samsung devices and Bixby, there’s discussion about potentially crafting a unique AI-driven operating system and an application linking Perplexity’s functions with other AI assistants.
Interestingly, Apple has also signaled interest in Perplexity. Reports indicate that Apple is eyeing the startup as a potential replacement for Google Search and a substitute for ChatGPT in its Siri assistant. During a recent testimony at a Google antitrust trial, Apple’s senior vice-president of services, Eddy Cue, noted, “We’ve been pretty impressed with what Perplexity has done, so we’ve started some discussions with them about what they’re doing.”
Hurdles still lie ahead, but with Samsung and Apple circling, it seems Perplexity AI is at the cusp of major developments. This could change the landscape of AI assistance on mobile devices, raising questions about how such partnerships will unfold in the coming months.
Samsung’s impending partnership with Perplexity AI points to a potentially new phase in its approach to artificial intelligence. By seeking to integrate Perplexity’s technology into its devices and Bixby, and even investing heavily in its funding round, Samsung may be looking to lessen its reliance on Google. Meanwhile, Apple’s interest adds an extra layer to this evolving landscape, indicating that the competition for AI dominance is heating up.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
