Samsung’s Bixby Set for Major AI Overhaul with Perplexity Integration on Galaxy S26

Samsung is planning a significant revival of its Bixby voice assistant. A major AI-powered overhaul is reportedly in development for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. This move aims to make Bixby competitive again in the modern AI landscape. The new system may integrate technology from the AI search company Perplexity.

This strategy mirrors recent industry shifts, including Apple’s partnership with ChatGPT. According to sources cited by Reuters, Samsung has been exploring deeper ties with Perplexity for months. The company appears committed to offering a multi-faceted AI experience on its devices, moving beyond its current reliance on Google’s Gemini.

How the New Bixby and Perplexity Partnership Will Work

The rumored integration would create a two-tiered assistance system. Basic device functions like setting alarms or sending texts would remain with Bixby’s core engine. For complex queries requiring web knowledge or reasoning, the assistant would seamlessly hand off tasks to Perplexity. This provides users with a more powerful and comprehensive tool.

This approach allows Samsung to enhance Bixby without building a new AI model from scratch. It leverages Perplexity’s established strength in conversational search and information synthesis. Users would get a more capable assistant without a completely new interface to learn.

Samsung’s Broader AI Strategy and Market Position

This move signals Samsung’s ambition to diversify its AI partnerships. Relying solely on Google’s Gemini could limit its competitive edge against Apple and other Android manufacturers. Incorporating multiple AI agents provides a unique selling point for the Galaxy ecosystem. It offers users more choice in how they interact with their devices.

The potential overhaul is part of a longer-term vision for on-device intelligence. A report from the Associated Press notes the growing trend of smartphones hosting multiple, specialized AI models. For consumers, this could mean faster, more private, and more reliable AI features that work directly on their phones without constant internet connection.

The planned Bixby AI overhaul represents a crucial step in Samsung’s artificial intelligence roadmap. By potentially integrating Perplexity, Samsung is signaling a bold new direction for its voice assistant. This strategy could redefine the smart assistant experience on its future flagship phones.

Thought you’d like to know

When will the new Bixby be released?

The overhauled Bixby is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series. This lineup is anticipated to launch in early 2025. No official release date has been confirmed by Samsung.

What is Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI is a company that specializes in conversational answer engines. It provides direct answers to queries by summarizing information from the web. It is seen as a competitor to traditional search engines.

Will this replace Google Gemini on Samsung phones?

No, reports indicate this will not replace the existing Gemini integration. Samsung is likely building an ecosystem with multiple AI partners. Users may have access to Bixby, Gemini, and Perplexity for different tasks.

How is this different from Apple’s ChatGPT integration?

The core concept of partnering with a third-party AI is similar. However, the technical implementation and user experience will be distinct. Samsung’s approach appears to involve a more direct handoff between Bixby and Perplexity for specific queries.

Why is Samsung reviving Bixby now?

The rapid advancement of AI has made older voice assistants obsolete. Revamping Bixby is essential for Samsung to remain competitive. It allows the company to offer a differentiated and more powerful on-device experience.