TL;DR
A leaked screenshot and prior reports indicate Samsung is integrating Perplexity's AI search into Bixby, surfacing richer answers and recommendations. The feature appears tied to Bixby v4.0.50.4 and the One UI 8.5 beta currently limited to Galaxy S25 series devices; Samsung plans to debut One UI 8.5 with the Galaxy S26 in February.
What happened
After months of uncertainty about the future of Samsung's Bixby assistant, a fresh leak and earlier reporting point to a different direction: Perplexity's AI search engine is being folded into Bixby. A screenshot shared on X by user achultra shows a redesigned Bixby overlay handling a weather query and offering a recommendation — for example, suggesting the user carry a jacket — that appears to draw on Perplexity's search capabilities. Reports note the functionality is restricted to Samsung Bixby version 4.0.50.4 and requires One UI 8.5, which is currently available in beta only for the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Samsung already uses Perplexity on its TVs, and the One UI 8.5 beta seems to enable the same engine on phones. Samsung has confirmed One UI 8.5 will debut with the Galaxy S26 in February, with an eventual rollout to older devices.
Why it matters
- Perplexity integration could deliver more up-to-date and detailed responses from Bixby, improving usefulness for complex queries.
- Tying the feature to One UI 8.5 makes its availability depend on Samsung's software rollout schedule, affecting which users see the change first.
- If implemented broadly, this partnership narrows the gap between Samsung's assistant and competing AI-powered helpers on phones and other devices.
- The move reinforces Samsung's strategy of using third-party AI engines across its device ecosystem, as it already offers Perplexity on its TVs.
Key facts
- A screenshot posted by X user achultra shows a Perplexity-powered Bixby overlay responding to a weather question and suggesting the user carry a jacket.
- The visible integration is limited to Samsung Bixby version 4.0.50.4.
- One UI 8.5 is required for the current preview; that beta is available exclusively to Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra testers.
- Samsung already offers Perplexity's AI search engine on its smart TVs.
- One UI 8.5 is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 lineup in February.
- Samsung plans to roll the Perplexity-enabled Bixby to older Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S25, after the S26 launch and One UI 8.5 release.
- The Bixby pop-up shown in the preview also includes a visual refresh consistent with One UI 8.5 design changes.
- One UI 8.5 is expected to include additional features and fixes beyond Bixby changes, including updates to camera functionality.
What to watch next
- Galaxy S26 launch in February for the first broad demonstration of Perplexity-powered Bixby.
- The One UI 8.5 rollout schedule and the full list of eligible devices — not confirmed in the source.
- When Perplexity integration expands beyond One UI 8.5 beta testers and reaches older Galaxy phones (including the S25).
Quick glossary
- Bixby: Samsung's built-in virtual assistant for Galaxy devices that handles voice, text, and contextual queries.
- Perplexity: An AI-powered search engine and conversational answer provider that aggregates and summarizes information from the web.
- One UI: Samsung's Android-based user interface layer that customizes the look, features, and system behavior on Galaxy devices.
- Beta: A pre-release version of software made available to a limited group of users for testing and feedback before a public launch.
Reader FAQ
Has Samsung confirmed Perplexity is being added to Bixby?
Reports and a leaked screenshot indicate Samsung intends to integrate Perplexity into Bixby; the company has said One UI 8.5 will debut with the Galaxy S26, but a formal, device-wide confirmation of timing was not provided in the source.
Which devices can try the Perplexity-powered Bixby now?
The One UI 8.5 beta that unlocks the feature is available only to Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra beta testers, per the source.
When will Galaxy S26 owners get the Perplexity integration?
One UI 8.5 is scheduled to debut with the Galaxy S26 in February, which is when S26 owners are expected to see the integration.
Will older Galaxy phones receive the Perplexity upgrade?
The source says the integration will be rolled out to older devices after the S26 launch, but a detailed timeline and full device list were not provided.
Samsung's supercharged Bixby with Perplexity AI gets an early preview By Chethan Rao Published 34 minutes ago Chethan is a reporter at Android Police, focusing on the weekend news coverage…
Sources
- Samsung's supercharged Bixby with Perplexity AI gets an early preview
- Bixby is already tapping into Perplexity to answer your …
- Samsung One UI 8.5 brings Perplexity AI to Bixby – First Look
- One UI 8.5 Features and Enhancements: Here's What's …
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