samsung Bets Big on Perplexity AI in Major Shift Away from Google Dominance

 

PulseNext Tech | June 2, 2025

    Samsung Electronics is finalizing a landmark deal with AI startup Perplexity that could reshape the AI assistant landscape on its devices and significantly reduce its dependence on Google, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

The Core Deal Components

The wide-ranging partnership, expected to be announced later this year, includes:

1. Device Integration: Preloading Perplexity’s app and AI assistant on upcoming Samsung devices
2. Browser Overhaul: Embedding Perplexity’s search technology into Samsung Internet
3. Bixby Enhancement: Weaving Perplexity’s AI into Samsung’s native Bixby assistant
4. S26 Flagship Role: Making Perplexity a default assistant option on the Galaxy S26 series (launching H1 2026)

Strategic Investment

    Samsung is poised to become a major investor in Perplexity’s upcoming $500 million funding round, which values the AI disruptor at $14 billion – cementing the tech giant’s commitment to the partnership.

Why It Matters: The AI Power Play

• Google Diversification: The deal accelerates Samsung’s push to reduce reliance on Alphabet’s Google services, mirroring Apple’s strategy of working with multiple AI providers.
• Perplexity’s Breakthrough: Following its Motorola integration, this would be Perplexity’s most significant mobile partnership – giving it default placement on the world’s largest smartphone brand.
• Future AI Ecosystem: The companies are exploring co-development of an AI-native operating system and an "AI agents app" that could integrate multiple assistants, including Perplexity.

The Apple Factor

The deal creates tension with Apple, which has separately expressed strong interest in Perplexity:

• Apple’s Eddy Cue confirmed discussions about using Perplexity as a Google Search alternative and ChatGPT substitute in Siri during recent antitrust testimony.
• Samsung’s deep integration with Apple’s emerging rival complicates potential Apple-Perplexity negotiations.

    "This is Samsung declaring independence in the AI wars," said PulseNext tech analyst Elena Rodriguez. "By making Perplexity a default option, they’re creating a viable alternative ecosystem to Google Assistant while forcing Apple to rethink its AI partnerships."

With talks advancing rapidly after recent meetings in South Korea, the tech world watches for:

1. Confirmation of Perplexity’s $14B funding round with Samsung’s participation
2. Technical details on Bixby-Perplexity integration
3. Apple’s countermove in the battle for AI supremacy