Samsung is giving Galaxy owners real choice over which AI controls their phone. The company will add Perplexity as a second system-level agent on upcoming flagship devices, complete with its own “Hey Plex” wake word and side button controls.
The move expands what Samsung calls a “multi-agent ecosystem” within Galaxy AI. Instead of forcing everyone to use an assistant, the company wants users to choose the AI that’s right for each task. Perplexity is the first confirmed partner, although Samsung hints that more could follow.
Hold for helplessness
You’ll soon be able to start Perplexity by simply speaking on your phone. The agent responds to “Hey Plex,” making it feel as native as Bixby or Google Assistant. There is also a hardware shortcut. Press and hold the side button and Perplexity will appear for quick access.
This is not another downloaded app. Samsung integrates Perplexity directly into Galaxy OS, so it works in the background and switches seamlessly between tasks. The company calls this a “system level” approach. The AI understands your context without you having to manually switch between different apps.
Why Samsung is opening its AI playground
The shift corresponds to the way people actually use AI. Samsung internal research shows that nearly 8 in 10 users now rely on more than two types of AI agents depending on the task. You can use one agent for research, another for quick answers, and a third for smart home control. Samsung wants Galaxy AI to handle all problems smoothly.
The company describes Galaxy AI as an “orchestrator” that brings together different agents into one experience. By partnering with services like Perplexity, Samsung can offer specialized tools while keeping everything integrated. Users gain flexibility without losing the seamless feel of the Galaxy ecosystem.
The move also differentiates Samsung from competitors that tightly control their AI stack. Opening it up to partners gives Galaxy owners more reasons to stick with the platform.
What you need to know before switching
Samsung hasn’t said which phones will get Perplexity first. The company says these are “upcoming flagship Galaxy devices,” likely pointing to the next Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, or perhaps the Galaxy S series next year. There’s no word on whether existing devices will get the feature in a software update.
Some AI features require a Samsung account. Availability varies by region and mobile provider. The Company also includes the standard disclaimer that it cannot guarantee the accuracy of the AI outputs. Nevertheless, the trend towards choice is clear. Samsung assumes that options beat a single forced solution.
Watch for more partner announcements in the coming months. The Perplexity integration is just the beginning.
