Samsung Accelerates AI Integration With Perplexity Partnership, Launches One UI 8 Beta and New Device Strategies
Samsung is advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions through a reported partnership with Perplexity, an AI technology startup, aiming to embed Perplexity’s solutions across its device ecosystem. The collaboration is expected to bolster AI capabilities in Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 series, the Bixby voice assistant, and Samsung’s web browser, signaling a strategic push to enhance user experiences with cutting-edge AI features.
The partnership aligns with Samsung’s broader vision to mainstream AI in mobile technology, following the introduction of Galaxy AI in the S24 series and the expansion of on-device intelligence for privacy and offline functionality. With Perplexity’s expertise, Samsung is poised to deliver more natural, context-aware interactions and proactive suggestions, further personalizing the mobile experience.
In parallel, Samsung has officially launched the One UI 8 Beta program, marking a significant software upgrade that debuts on the latest Galaxy foldables, including the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Based on Android 16, One UI 8 introduces a multimodal AI agent, productivity enhancements, redesigned apps, and new multitasking features. Notable additions include Auracast for multi-device audio streaming, advanced Samsung DeX capabilities, and improved security with Samsung Knox Vault.
Currently, the One UI 8 Beta is available to Galaxy S25 series users in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and South Korea, with possible expansion to other markets in the coming months. Samsung emphasizes that the beta phase allows users to test new features and provide feedback, helping refine the software ahead of its stable release later this summer.
However, the Galaxy S21 series will not receive the One UI 8 update, as it has reached the end of Samsung’s four-year OS update policy. These devices will continue to receive security updates until next year, ensuring ongoing protection for existing users.
In hardware developments, the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip7 is set to become the first Samsung foldable powered exclusively by Exynos chips globally, marking a pivotal shift in the company’s chipset strategy and reinforcing its commitment to in-house semiconductor innovation.
Industry analysts view these moves as pivotal for Samsung to maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market where AI-driven features are becoming central to consumer appeal. With the integration of Perplexity’s AI, the rollout of One UI 8, and a renewed focus on proprietary hardware, Samsung is positioning itself at the forefront of the next era in mobile technology.