In a major expansion of its artificial intelligence ecosystem, Samsung has confirmed that its upcoming Galaxy S26 flagship will feature Perplexity AI integrated directly into the operating system. Users will be able to summon the assistant instantly with a simple "Hey Plex" voice command, adding a powerful new option alongside existing AI helpers.

Rather than being confined to individual apps, Galaxy AI is engineered to operate at the system level. This allows the platform to understand contextual clues, helping users seamlessly complete complex tasks without the friction of constantly switching apps or repeating prompts.

The addition of Perplexity marks a significant step forward in Samsung's multi-assistant AI strategy. According to the company's internal research, roughly eight out of ten users currently rely on two or more AI assistants depending on whether they are searching, working, or seeking entertainment. In response, Samsung is pivoting toward an open AI ecosystem where multiple artificial intelligence tools can collaborate within a single, unified experience.

Building on the foundation of the Galaxy S25—which introduced Google Gemini as the default assistant—the S26 will integrate Perplexity even deeper into the user interface. It can be triggered via voice or a long-press of the power button for immediate access.

The AI assistant is expected to work fluidly across default applications—including Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar—while also supporting third-party apps. This cross-app functionality is designed to speed up complex workflows through natural, conversational interactions.

A Samsung representative described Galaxy AI as an "orchestration hub," seamlessly connecting various AI models into one cohesive user journey. The tech giant is expected to unveil the full suite of its new AI capabilities when the Galaxy S26 officially launches on February 25.