Samsung adapts Bixby to Apple's AI approach with Perplexity

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Samsung is working on a major expansion of Bixby for the upcoming Galaxy S26 generation. The integration of Perplexity AI demonstrates the direction in which the assistant is evolving. While simple tasks will continue to be handled on the device, an external model will take over complex reasoning processes. This leads to a similar structure to that already pursued by Apple with its new multi-model strategy. This creates a clear trend in the smartphone AI market, where local intelligence and cloud-based systems converge.

The demands placed on voice assistants are increasing. It's no longer just about timers, system switches, or short commands. Modern AI should be able to plan, summarize, generate content, and link multiple steps. To achieve this, Samsung is building a broader product portfolio instead of relying solely on existing partnerships. Information from a well-known insider reveals how far these plans have already progressed and how they compare to Apple's approach.

Samsung combines local Bixby functions with Perplexity

Tipster @chunvn8888 reports that Samsung will soon have Bixby operating in a two-pronged manner. Simple tasks will continue to run directly on the device. These include system functions, switching settings, and other basic commands. These will remain under the control of the locally embedded AI.

However, as soon as a query requires complex thinking, Perplexity takes over. This includes generative answers, in-depth analyses, or tasks that combine multiple steps. Samsung thus relies on an external model that is significantly better suited to such processes.

The architecture is reminiscent of Apple's current solution. Apple uses its own Apple Intelligence models for simple tasks and integrates ChatGPT when dealing with more complex content. Samsung is following this pattern but implementing it more broadly. In addition to Perplexity, the company already collaborates closely with Google. Many current Galaxy models include Gemini features integrated directly into One UI. Samsung's additional integration of Perplexity demonstrates a clear commitment to greater model diversity rather than a rigid dependence on Google.

Apple continues to develop Siri in parallel.

While Samsung is broadening its model base, Apple is also expanding its multi-model strategy. According to a report, the next major Siri version will switch between several systems depending on the task. For demanding tasks such as summaries, multi-stage planning, or in-depth queries, Siri will reportedly use Google's Gemini system. Other areas will remain with Apple's own models, which are already integrated into Apple Intelligence.

Originally, this new generation of Siri was planned to be introduced with iOS 18. However, Apple postponed the launch because the assistant's core architecture needed to be redesigned. The update is now expected early next year.

Despite using external partners, Apple is investing heavily in its own AI development. A cloud-based reasoning model is reportedly already under development and could be ready by 2026. This is intended to bring Siri significantly closer to systems like Claude or ChatGPT, without Apple planning a separate chatbot app. Siri will remain deeply integrated into the system.

Why Samsung is taking a new direction with Perplexity

By adding Perplexity, Samsung has created an assistant that can utilize multiple advanced models simultaneously. The combination of local Bixby, Gemini features, and Perplexity forms a broad foundation prepared for future AI requirements. The Galaxy S26, in particular, demonstrates how flexibly Samsung can choose between different technologies in the future.

This decision sets Samsung apart from Apple and Google. While Apple alternates between its own models and individual partnerships, and Google primarily strengthens its own ecosystem, Samsung focuses on diversity. For a smartphone, this means more scope for different forms of AI support, from quick system commands to generative tasks.

Apple plans to integrate Gemini into Siri

Samsung combines various AI building blocks into one system.

Samsung is revamping Bixby, preparing the assistant for a future where AI is no longer a single, monolithic entity. Perplexity handles complex tasks, while Bixby itself continues to operate locally. Google Gemini further enhances the system. This development demonstrates that modern smartphone AI solutions increasingly consist of multiple components. Samsung is broadening its approach, creating a foundation designed for future everyday and app-related demands. The result is a flexible and scalable AI system that will become a core component of future Galaxy devices. (Image: Shutterstock / Framesira)