It’s not Bing this time, but Samsung might still be ready to swipe left on Google.

Samsung is reportedly considering to partner with AI startup Perplexity, with plans to preload the company’s services on future Galaxy devices — starting as early as with the Galaxy S26 series.

According to a report from Bloomberg, the deal would include preinstalling the Perplexity app and assistant across Galaxy phones, while also bringing its AI-powered search technology to Samsung’s Internet Browser. Additionally, Perplexity could be integrated into Bixby, potentially helping Samsung’s voice assistant stay relevant in the age of generative AI.

What is Perplexity AI?

For those unfamiliar, Perplexity is a rapidly growing AI-powered search and assistant platform that is currently competing with more established names like Google Search and Microsoft Copilot. There’s already an app available on both Android and iOS.

Perplexity’s assistant offers more than just simple Q&A, though. It also performs complex research queries, answers follow-up questions, and shows its sources inline — a type of transparency that helps it stand out among the competition.

The company has been gaining traction as an alternative to traditional search engines and generative assistants, thanks to its accuracy and focus on real-time data.

So what might Samsung be planning?

If the deal goes through, Samsung could ship Perplexity’s app and assistant preloaded on Galaxy phones, while integrating its search engine directly into Samsung Internet and embedding some of its technology straight into Bixby.

According to the report from Bloomberg, Samsung wants to make Perplexity the “default assistant option” on the Galaxy S26 series, although it’s not clear whether this would completely replace or simply complement Bixby and the Google Assistant.

Those with a good memory will remember that this isn’t the first time Samsung has flirted with Google’s rivals. In 2023, reports surfaced that Samsung considered switching the default search engine on its devices from Google to Bing, which reportedly sent Google into “panic mode.”

Now, with Perplexity in the mix, Samsung seems to be continuing its strategy of exploring non-Google alternatives in the AI space. Does this mean that its partnership with Google is not that great and there’s drama behind the curtains? Not necessarily, but it does mean Samsung is open to change.