Google’s Gemini currently serves as the default digital assistant on smartphones running Android 15, but this status may soon change. According to a Bloomberg report dated April 17, Perplexity, an AI-driven search assistant, is in discussions with leading smartphone manufacturers Samsung and Motorola to become their primary AI assistant.
The report indicates that Perplexity has finalized a deal with Motorola, while talks with Samsung are still underway. An official update could come as early as April 24, during Motorola’s anticipated launch event for its next-generation foldable Razr series. For these upcoming foldables, Perplexity is expected to deliver a redesigned experience customized for the unique form factor. Discussions with Samsung, however, are still in the preliminary phase.
This potential shift is notable given Samsung’s longstanding collaboration with Google. Nevertheless, Samsung’s investment arm, Next, has already invested in Perplexity and is reportedly planning another funding round, which could significantly boost Perplexity’s valuation.
It remains to be seen whether these manufacturers will designate Perplexity as the default assistant or offer it as an alternative during the device setup process.
Perplexity’s popularity has grown due to its intuitive interface that resembles a search engine, providing users with a blend of real-time web data and AI-generated content. The platform currently utilizes models from OpenAI and Anthropic, offering a hybrid approach to AI-assisted search.
If integrated as the default assistant, Perplexity could gain significant traction among Android users. The app is available for free on both Android and iOS, with a premium tier—Perplexity Pro—offering enhanced features at $20 per month, similar to ChatGPT Plus.
For users seeking a versatile assistant capable of real-time browsing and generative responses, Perplexity presents a compelling option.
