Samsung could make a major shift in its assistant strategy in 2026. According to several reports, the Galaxy S26 would release a renewed version of Bixby that would rely on AI Perplexitya direct rival to Google Gemini and OpenAI models. The idea would be to combine the current Gemini integration in the Galaxy with a much smarter Bixby, capable of better answering complex questions.
This change would be significant, since in recent years Bixby had been relegated to Gemini and the rest of Google services on Android. Now, Samsung would like to regain the prominence of its own assistant and, in the process, reduce its dependence on Google, following an approach similar to that of Apple with ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence. All of this is, however, still in the leak phase and without official confirmation.
Perplexity, Bixby's new brain for difficult tasks
According to the leaker @chunvn8888Bixby and Perplexity would share the work within the Galaxy S26. Simple tasks, such as setting alarms, creating reminders or controlling connected devices, would still be handled by Bixby, as we know it, although with some improvements in conversation and context.
When the user asks for something more complex, such as searching for information on the web, summarizing documents, comparing products or generating long answers, it would come into play. Perplexity AI. This service specializes in conversational searches with AI, a tool similar to Google, but powered by artificial intelligence, which better understands natural language and provides sources. Samsung would integrate it in the background within Bixby, similar to how some mobile phones today combine the native assistant with an external chatbot.
Another striking detail is that Samsung has already promoted its agreements with Perplexity on other products, such as some smart TVs and, more recently, the Comet browser on Android. It would not be strange if the Samsung Internet browser and functions of Galaxy AI They will also benefit from this alliance on the Galaxy S26.
Less dependence on Gemini and more AI options for the user
The big question is what happens to Google Gemini in this scenario. The Galaxy S25 They have already bet heavily on the integration of Gemini into Android, and One UI 8.5 suggests that it will coexist with both agents, Bixby and Gemini, within the system's routines and automations. That Bixby now incorporates Perplexity does not necessarily mean that Gemini is going to disappear, but it does mean that Samsung will have more room to promote its own AI layer.
For the user, this could mean more options when choosing which assistant to talk to or which AI engine to use for certain tasks. It is possible that Bixby will become the default assistant again on the Galaxy S26, with the option to invoke Gemini whenever the user preferssomething we have already seen in part in recent generations. The most important thing is to offer a simple and fluid experience for quick queries.
It is also unclear what will happen to subscriptions. Perplexity offers payment plans and has already run promotions with free months for Galaxy users in some markets. Following the Apple and ChatGPT model, it would not be strange if some advanced features of Bixby + Perplexity required to link a payment accountwhile the basic options would remain free.
What can we expect in the Galaxy S26… and in the current Galaxy
If what the leaks suggest comes true, the grand premiere of this new Bixby with Perplexity would arrive with the family Galaxy S26 at the beginning of 2026. It would be one of the sales pillars of the mobile along with the usual improvements in camera, performance and autonomy, and would fit with Samsung's strategy of positioning its phones as the main access to its artificial intelligence ecosystem.
The good news is that not everything would be limited to the Galaxy S26. Just as it happened with Galaxy AI on the Galaxy S24 series, it is very likely that a future One UI 8.5 or higher bring some of these functions to previous models, at least to the high-end Galaxy and perhaps also to the recent mid-range. It's the kind of move Samsung has already made to boast long-term software support.
At the moment, we are dealing with rumors based on leaks and reports of agreements between Samsung and Perplexity. Until the brand speaks clearly, it is advisable take these details with a grain of saltespecially with regard to supported regions, supported languages and possible daily usage limits.
Does this turn by Samsung with Bixby make sense?
On a strategic level, this step would fit with Samsung's obsession with not being overly dependent on Google and building its own AI ecosystem around Galaxy AI, Gauss and now Perplexity. If Bixby finally becomes really useful, Samsung would have a powerful argument to differentiate the Galaxy S26 from the rest of Android phones.
The question is whether users are willing to give Bixby another chance or if they will prefer to continue using Gemini, Google Assistant or even third-party apps like ChatGPT. The question is whether users will be willing to adopt this new version of Bixby or if they will continue to prefer other alternatives such as Gemini either ChatGPT.
