Samsung adds AI agent Perplexity to Galaxy AI, joining Gemini and Bixby

Apple is planning to enhance its iPhone with the release of Siri, which is based on Google’s generative AI, Gemini (https://gigazine.net/news/20260212-apple-ios-26-4-siri-gemini-update/). In response, Samsung, a fierce competitor in the smartphone market, has announced that it will add Perplexity, a browser with an AI chatbot, to its proprietary Galaxy AI.

Samsung Introduces the New Bixby in One UI 8.5 – Samsung Global Newsroom

https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-introduces-the-new-bixby-in-one-ui-8-5

Galaxy AI Expands Multi-Agent Ecosystem To Give Users More Choice and Flexibility – Samsung Global Newsroom
https://news.samsung.com/global/galaxy-ai-expands-multi-agent-ecosystem-to-give-users-more-choice-and-flexibility

Samsung is adding Perplexity to Galaxy AI | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/tech/882921/samsung-is-adding-perplexity-to-galaxy-ai

On February 20, 2026, Samsung announced the beta program for the latest version of its AI agent, Bixby, which will enable real-time web search functionality.

'Through Perplexity, Bixby will have access to real-time, up-to-date information and display search results within Bixby's unique user interface. Users can search for topics and get answers to their questions in a consistent, seamless experience. This allows them to find the information they need more quickly without being redirected to another browser or app, allowing them to focus on the task at hand.'

The new Bixby is available in One UI 8.5, the latest version of One UI, the company's proprietary user interface for Galaxy devices, which is currently available in select countries, including Germany, India, South Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US.

Separately, on February 22, 2026 local time, Samsung announced that it would expand the capabilities of Galaxy AI to allow the use of multiple AI agents. As part of this multi-agent initiative, Galaxy AI will be able to use Perplexity as an additional AI agent. Until now, Galaxy AI's AI agents have been Samsung's own Bixby and Google's Gemini.

This means that in Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26, you'll not only be able to call up Bixby or Gemini, but also Perplexity by saying 'Hey, Plex.'

The Verge points out that the integration of Perplexity into Galaxy AI is just one element of Samsung's 'multi-agent ecosystem,' which it's promoting. Users often use different AI agents for different tasks depending on their areas of expertise. Samsung is exploring the possibility of integrating different AI agents into its operating system.

Samsung believes that people will increasingly use AI in their interactions with their smartphones, but because users can become very attached to certain AI, Samsung is trying to differentiate itself from competitors like Apple and Google by giving users the freedom to choose the AI of their choice at the core of their smartphones.

Perplexity will be built into Galaxy phones and will not just be a transparent app for quickly getting answers to your questions. Perplexity will reportedly have access to Samsung's Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminders, and Calendar apps, as well as some third-party apps. Samsung did not specify which apps Perplexity will have access to, however.

Samsung is scheduled to hold a launch event called 'Galaxy Unpacked' on February 26, 2026, during which it is expected to provide further details about Samsung's multi-agent concept, The Verge points out.

'Galaxy Unpacked' event will be held on February 26th at 3:00 (Japan time), and a summary of leaks so far, including the expected 'Galaxy S26 series' - GIGAZINE