Samsung Bixby gains Perplexity AI search powers in new update
Samsung’s Bixby assistant will integrate Perplexity’s AI search capabilities, with an early preview emerging on social media.
Speculation surrounding Bixby’s future escalated earlier this year following the Galaxy S25 release, which saw increased Gemini upgrades and the removal of a Bixby feature. However, subsequent information indicated Samsung would not diminish its in-house AI assistant. Reports surfaced earlier this year regarding potential Perplexity AI search engine integration into Galaxy phones, with Samsung confirming plans to bring Perplexity’s search intelligence to Bixby, beginning with the Galaxy S26 lineup.
A screenshot, posted on X in French, detailed the Perplexity integration within Bixby, showing a redesigned Bixby overlay for a weather query. This overlay provided recommendations, such as suggesting the user carry a jacket, by leveraging Perplexity’s search engine. SammyGuru noted this functionality is currently limited to Samsung Bixby version 4.0.50.4 and requires devices running One UI 8.5, available in beta exclusively for the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Samsung already offers Perplexity’s AI search engine on its televisions. The One UI 8.5 beta has extended this capability to Galaxy phones, aiming to provide richer, more current results from Bixby and enhance the assistant’s ability to answer complex questions. Galaxy S26 owners are expected to experience this integration first, with a subsequent rollout to older Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S25, alongside the One UI 8.5 update. The Bixby pop-up is also preparing a visual upgrade to align with current design guidelines.
In addition to Bixby enhancements, One UI 8.5 is expected to introduce further features and fixes, including camera improvements, to Galaxy devices. Samsung has confirmed that One UI 8.5 will debut with the Galaxy S26 and arrive on older devices shortly thereafter. A detailed timeline and a list of eligible devices may be provided during the Galaxy S26 launch event in February.