Perplexity AI, the fast-growing AI-powered web search startup, is making major moves in the Android ecosystem. In a strategic bid to challenge industry giants like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the company is finalising a deal with Motorola to become the default AI assistant on upcoming devices. Simultaneously, it is in active discussions with Samsung, signalling its intent to emerge as a key player in the mobile AI assistant space.
According to a Bloomberg report citing anonymous sources, the agreement with Motorola has been confirmed and is expected to be publicly announced this month, potentially at Motorola’s product launch event in New York City on April 24. As part of this collaboration, Perplexity will be preloaded on Motorola smartphones, particularly its Razr foldable phones, featuring a customised user interface optimized for the form factor. The integration aims to enhance user experience by providing intelligent search capabilities and real-time AI-powered assistance out-of-the-box.
Meanwhile, talks with Samsung, the world’s leading Android smartphone manufacturer, are still ongoing. Although the terms have not been finalised, sources suggest that the partnership could see Perplexity pre-installed as an alternative search engine or AI assistant on Samsung devices. This could position Perplexity as a significant challenger to Gemini, which currently powers Samsung’s AI experiences through its close collaboration with Google.
Perplexity’s growing ambitions are underpinned by strong investor interest. The company is reportedly raising between $500 million and $1 billion, with the goal of pushing its valuation to $18 billion. Interestingly, Samsung Next, the innovation and investment arm of Samsung, had previously invested in Perplexity and is said to be considering a follow-up investment as part of this latest funding round.
Currently, both Samsung and Motorola offer access to Google’s Gemini and their in-house AI tools. The integration of Perplexity as a native or default option signals a growing shift in the Android AI assistant market, where users may soon have more diversified options to choose from when it comes to intelligent assistance and web search capabilities.
While no official statements have been released by Perplexity, Samsung, or Motorola at the time of writing, industry analysts are closely watching the developments. The move has the potential to reshape the mobile AI landscape, giving users alternatives to the dominant players and fostering a more competitive and innovative ecosystem.
As smartphone manufacturers increasingly look to differentiate their devices through software and AI integration, partnerships like these may set the tone for the next evolution of mobile technology where AI is not just an add-on, but a core component of the user experience.
