“Hey Plex” wake phrase joins Gemini and Bixby as Samsung builds multi-agent AI ecosystem for Galaxy S26 series launching February 25
Introduction
Samsung Galaxy AI is expanding its artificial intelligence ecosystem by integrating Perplexity, a fast-growing AI-powered search engine, into its upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Announced Saturday, February 22, 2026, the move positions Samsung to deepen its AI capabilities while reshaping how users access real-time answers, contextual assistance, and multi-step workflows directly from their smartphones without juggling between apps.
The integration brings Perplexity to system-level status alongside Google Gemini and the redesigned Bixby. Users will be able to summon Perplexity with the wake phrase “Hey Plex” or by long-pressing the side button. The AI agent will be deeply embedded across select Samsung apps — including Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar, as well as select third-party apps — enabling seamless multi-step tasks without manually switching between applications.
“We’ve been committed to building an open and inclusive integrated AI ecosystem that gives users more choice, flexibility and control to get complex tasks done quickly and easily,” said Won-Joon Choi, President, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of the R&D Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Galaxy AI acts as an orchestrator, bringing together different forms of AI into a single, natural, cohesive experience.”
Background and Context
Samsung Electronics launched Galaxy AI as a cornerstone feature of its flagship smartphones in January 2024, emphasizing on-device processing, generative AI tools, and real-time assistance. The strategy has focused on embedding AI features directly into the operating system rather than relying solely on cloud-based services or individual apps.
Meanwhile, Perplexity AI has gained attention since its 2022 founding for blending conversational AI with cited web sources, offering an alternative to traditional search engines. The company raised $500 million at a $9 billion valuation in November 2025, fueled by rapid user growth and partnerships including a previous deal to integrate Perplexity into Samsung Smart TVs in 2025.
By integrating Perplexity into Galaxy AI, Samsung is effectively layering a real-time AI search experience into its smartphone ecosystem at the system level — not just as a standalone app. This framework-level integration allows Perplexity to understand context across different apps without users needing to copy and paste information or repeat commands.
The timing is strategic. Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for February 25, 2026, where the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are expected to debut. The Perplexity integration is positioned as one of the headline AI features.
Latest Update or News Breakdown
Samsung officially announced the Perplexity integration on Saturday, February 22, 2026. Here is what is confirmed, based on reporting from Samsung’s official press release, Android Headlines, 9to5Google, GSMArena, Business Standard, Yahoo News, The Verge, and TechWeez:
Wake Phrase and Access:
- “Hey Plex” — dedicated wake phrase to activate Perplexity
- Side button access — press and hold the power button (currently defaults to Google Gemini)
- System-level integration means no need to open a separate app
App Integration: Perplexity will be deeply embedded in:
- Samsung first-party apps: Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, Calendar
- Select third-party apps (specific apps not yet disclosed)
The integration enables multi-step workflows. For example, Samsung describes a scenario where a user researches a travel destination and Perplexity automatically creates a note, sets a reminder for a flight, and adds the event to the calendar in one smooth motion — without the user manually switching between apps.
Multi-Agent Ecosystem: Samsung’s announcement emphasized the shift toward a “multi-agent ecosystem.” Rather than forcing users to choose one AI assistant, Galaxy AI will coordinate between different AI services depending on the task:
- Google Gemini — accessed via “Hey Google” or side button (current default)
- Bixby (redesigned) — accessed via “Hey Bixby” or side button
- Perplexity — accessed via “Hey Plex” or side button
Users can choose which assistant to use based on their needs, preferences, and routines.
Research Insight: Samsung cited internal research showing that “nearly 8 in 10 users now rely on more than two types of AI agents.” The multi-agent approach reflects this behavioral shift as AI becomes more embedded in daily routines.
Device Availability:
- Confirmed: “Upcoming flagship Galaxy devices” — widely interpreted as Galaxy S26 series
- Potential expansion: Samsung said details on “supported devices” will be announced “soon,” hinting the feature could roll out to other Galaxy models
Bixby Connection: The recent rollout of One UI 8.5 beta 5 shows that Perplexity is now powering the redesigned Bixby AI assistant. Earlier this week, Samsung unveiled an upgraded Bixby that can change system settings based on natural language prompts and offers real-time web searches for up-to-date answers.
Pre-Installation: Perplexity appears to be pre-installed on Galaxy S26 devices, making it immediately accessible out of the box.
Expert Insights or Analysis
Strategic Independence from Google: Industry analysts view this as a strategic hedge. By incorporating Perplexity, Samsung reduces reliance on a single AI provider and expands optionality in its AI stack. While Google Gemini remains a core partner, Samsung is signaling it wants more control over the AI layers embedded in its devices.
This is particularly significant given Samsung’s historical dependence on Google services. Android is Google’s operating system. Google Search has been the default search engine on Samsung devices for years. The Perplexity integration introduces competitive dynamics into Samsung’s own ecosystem.
System-Level vs. App-Level Integration: The key differentiator is that Perplexity is not just another app in the Galaxy Store. It’s integrated at the operating system level, allowing it to understand context across different apps and workflows. This “framework-level integration” means Perplexity can access information from your Calendar, Gallery, and Notes without you manually feeding it data.
Mike Allton, head of strategic partnerships at Agorapulse, told Android Headlines: “Samsung’s multi-agent approach is smart. It acknowledges that no single AI is best at everything, and it gives users the flexibility to choose.”
The Conversational Search Shift: The partnership could accelerate adoption of AI-native search experiences. Unlike traditional keyword search, Perplexity delivers direct answers with linked citations, offering a hybrid between chatbot interaction and search engine indexing. Mobile is a crucial battleground for this shift. AI assistants are increasingly becoming primary interfaces for information retrieval.
Distribution Scale: For Perplexity, landing a partnership with Samsung represents massive distribution scale. Samsung ships tens of millions of flagship Galaxy devices annually. If Perplexity becomes the default or co-default AI assistant on Galaxy S26, the company gains instant access to a global user base.
Broader Implications
For Mobile Search: Search is evolving from link lists to conversational responses. Samsung’s move reinforces a broader industry shift where AI answers replace traditional blue-link results. Google is responding with its own AI Overviews in search. Apple integrated ChatGPT into iOS. Now Samsung is integrating Perplexity at the system level.
The fact that users can summon three different AI agents — Gemini, Bixby, and Perplexity — via wake phrases or a side button suggests the future of mobile search is multi-modal and user-driven, not platform-dictated.
For Google’s Android Dominance: Samsung’s devices have historically relied heavily on Google services. Adding Perplexity as a system-level AI agent suggests smartphone makers may diversify AI providers, especially as generative AI becomes a differentiating feature.
This doesn’t mean Samsung is abandoning Google. Gemini remains integrated. But the multi-agent approach gives Samsung leverage in negotiations and insulates the company from over-dependence on a single AI provider.
For AI Startups: For Perplexity, this partnership is a breakthrough. The company went from zero users in 2022 to a $9 billion valuation in 2025. Now it’s pre-installed on Samsung’s flagship smartphones. That trajectory is rare for AI startups. Most rely on app stores and organic growth. Perplexity is bypassing that entirely with OEM partnerships.
For Apple’s Competitive Position: Apple integrated ChatGPT into iOS 18 and is rumored to be working on deeper AI partnerships. Samsung’s multi-agent strategy one-ups that approach by allowing users to choose between multiple AI providers without leaving the OS. If users respond positively, Apple may face pressure to offer similar flexibility.
Related History or Comparable Technologies
Samsung previously integrated generative AI features including translation, summarization, and photo editing tools into Galaxy AI. The company launched Circle to Search (a Google-powered feature), Live Translate, Chat Assist, and AI-powered photo editing on the Galaxy S24 series in early 2024.
In 2025, Samsung partnered with Perplexity to integrate the AI search engine into Samsung Smart TVs, marking the first collaboration between the two companies.
Competitors like Apple and Google are also expanding AI features at the operating system level:
- Apple: Integrated ChatGPT into iOS 18 (2024), allowing Siri to hand off queries to ChatGPT when needed
- Google: Embedded Gemini deeply into Android, replacing Google Assistant as the default AI assistant on Pixel and many Android devices
The broader trend mirrors earlier shifts from standalone apps to system-level assistants, similar to how voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa became embedded into smartphones over the past decade.
What Happens Next
Several key questions remain:
1. Default AI Assistant: Will Perplexity become the default AI search layer on Galaxy S26 devices, or will users need to manually switch from Google Gemini? Samsung has not confirmed how the multi-agent experience will be presented during initial device setup.
2. Google’s Response: How will Google respond to increased AI competition within its own Android ecosystem? Google pays Apple billions annually to remain the default search engine on iPhones. Samsung introducing a competing AI search layer could trigger renegotiations or new partnership terms.
3. Expansion to Other Devices: Samsung hinted that Perplexity integration could roll out to “supported devices” beyond the Galaxy S26 series. Will older Galaxy flagships get the update via One UI 8.5? What about mid-range models?
4. Third-Party App Support: Samsung said Perplexity will work with “select third-party apps” but did not name them. If apps like WhatsApp, Spotify, or Instagram integrate Perplexity, the AI agent’s utility expands significantly.
5. Pricing and Subscriptions: Will Perplexity’s free tier be sufficient for most users, or will Samsung incentivize Perplexity Pro subscriptions (currently $20/month)? OEM partnerships often include promotional subscription bundles.
Galaxy Unpacked on February 25: Samsung will formally unveil the Galaxy S26 series at its Unpacked event on February 25, 2026. Expect live demonstrations of Perplexity integration, pricing details, and availability timelines. The event will likely spotlight new Galaxy AI capabilities and deeper integration with on-device intelligence.
As AI becomes central to smartphone differentiation, partnerships like this could shape the next phase of mobile competition.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy AI’s integration of Perplexity marks a strategic shift in mobile intelligence. Rather than relying solely on traditional search partnerships, Samsung is embedding conversational, citation-backed AI directly into its devices at the system level — giving users the ability to choose between multiple AI agents based on task, preference, and context.
The move reflects a larger transformation across the tech industry. Search is no longer just about links. It is about answers. And Samsung is betting that the future of mobile AI is multi-agent, not monopolistic.
“Galaxy AI acts as an orchestrator, bringing together different forms of AI into a single, natural, cohesive experience,” Samsung’s Won-Joon Choi said.
With the Galaxy S26 launch just days away, the real test begins. Will users embrace a multi-agent AI ecosystem? Or will they stick with familiar defaults like Google? The answer could reshape mobile AI competition for years to come.
FAQ
Q1: What is Samsung Galaxy AI? Galaxy AI is Samsung’s suite of artificial intelligence features integrated into its smartphones at the operating system level. It includes on-device processing, generative AI tools, real-time translation, photo editing, and now multi-agent AI assistant support including Google Gemini, Bixby, and Perplexity.
Q2: What is Perplexity? Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine founded in 2022 that provides conversational answers with cited sources. It raised $500 million at a $9 billion valuation in November 2025 and has partnerships with Samsung, SoftBank, and other major companies.
Q3: Will this replace Google search on Samsung phones? No. Google Gemini remains integrated as a core AI assistant. Samsung is building a “multi-agent ecosystem” where users can choose between Google Gemini, Bixby, and Perplexity based on their needs. Users can summon each via dedicated wake phrases (“Hey Google,” “Hey Bixby,” “Hey Plex”) or by long-pressing the side button.
Q4: Why is this partnership significant? It signals diversification in AI partnerships and increased competition in mobile search. Samsung is reducing reliance on a single AI provider (Google) and giving users more choice. For Perplexity, the deal provides massive distribution — tens of millions of Galaxy S26 devices globally.
Q5: When will this feature be available? The Perplexity integration will debut on “upcoming flagship Galaxy devices” — widely interpreted as the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, which launch at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026. Samsung said details on “supported devices” will be announced “soon,” suggesting potential expansion to other Galaxy models.
Sources and References
Samsung Global Newsroom: Galaxy AI Expands Multi-Agent Ecosystem
Android Headlines: Samsung Galaxy S26 Gets Hey ‘Plex’ AI Agent with Perplexity brain
9to5Google: Galaxy S26 will have a ‘Hey Plex’ Perplexity hotword alongside ‘Hey Google’ & Bixby
