Quick Brief
- Nearly 8 in 10 users rely on more than two AI agents daily, per Samsung’s internal research
- Perplexity is embedded in Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar at the OS level
- Users activate Perplexity via the “Hey Plex” voice phrase or by pressing and holding the side button
- Multi-agent support debuts on upcoming flagship Galaxy devices, with Galaxy Unpacked 2026 scheduled for February 25 in San Francisco
Samsung just moved the AI battleground from apps to the operating system itself, and the Galaxy S26 series is the first device where that shift becomes tangible. This announcement is not about adding another chatbot shortcut. It is about Galaxy AI acting as a central orchestrator that lets multiple agents work together without forcing you to manage the handoffs. What follows is a verified, claim-by-claim breakdown of how this works and what it changes for daily use.
Why Multi-Agent Support Reflects a Real Behavioral Shift
The foundation of this expansion is a clear usage pattern Samsung cannot afford to ignore. Nearly 8 in 10 users now rely on more than two types of AI agents in their daily workflows, according to Samsung’s internal research published February 22, 2026. One agent handles search, another assists with writing, a third manages calendar or reminders. On current devices, each context switch costs attention, time, and task continuity.
Galaxy AI’s framework-level architecture targets this friction directly. Rather than running agents inside isolated apps, the system operates at the OS layer, understanding user context and enabling more natural interactions without requiring manual app management. The practical outcome is fewer copy-paste moments, fewer deliberate app launches, and more coherent multi-step task completion.
Samsung frames this not as a feature addition but as a platform evolution: building an open and inclusive integrated AI ecosystem that gives users more choice, flexibility, and control.
How Perplexity Integrates at the System Level
Perplexity is the first external agent to receive deep OS-level treatment on upcoming flagship Galaxy devices. The integration extends well beyond a home screen shortcut. Samsung has embedded Perplexity across Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar, plus select third-party apps, though Samsung has not named any third-party partners yet.
Activation works two ways. Say “Hey Plex” as a dedicated voice wake phrase, or press and hold the side button, which can be assigned to launch Perplexity directly. This side button shortcut is the same physical control previously associated with Bixby or Google Assistant, signaling Samsung’s intent to position Perplexity as a first-class assistant on Galaxy hardware.
Perplexity also becomes part of Bixby for web searches, effectively giving Bixby access to Perplexity’s conversational AI search engine.
What Galaxy AI as an Orchestrator Actually Does
Samsung’s President, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of the R&D Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, Won-Joon Choi, stated precisely: “Galaxy AI acts as an orchestrator, bringing together different forms of AI into a single, natural, cohesive experience.” That word, orchestrator, carries specific technical meaning in this context.
Operating at the system level means Galaxy AI understands what you are doing across the device and reduces the need to switch between apps or repeat commands. If you are drafting a note and need a factual answer, Perplexity can surface it without forcing you out of Samsung Notes. If you are reviewing your calendar and need contextual information, the agent is accessible inline via side button or voice.
This system-level approach allows Samsung to curate experiences from supporting services like Perplexity while keeping everything integrated within the Galaxy environment, rather than requiring users to navigate between disconnected apps.
Apps Where Perplexity Is Embedded at Launch
Samsung has confirmed specific first-party app integrations. The Perplexity agent is embedded across the following:
- Samsung Notes: Access Perplexity for research or clarification without leaving your draft
- Clock: Set contextually informed reminders with AI assistance inline
- Gallery: Query image content or request related information from within the app
- Reminder: Create and refine reminders informed by Perplexity’s conversational capabilities
- Calendar: Cross-reference information when creating or editing events
- Select third-party apps: No partners named at announcement; Samsung confirmed additional details will follow
Each integration is designed to support smoother, multi-step workflows, allowing users to move between tasks without manually managing individual apps.
Availability and Access Conditions
Samsung has been transparent about conditions that govern feature access. A Samsung Account login may be required to use certain Galaxy AI features. Availability varies depending on region, country, OS and One UI version, device model, and phone carrier.
The multi-agent expansion and Perplexity integration are confirmed for upcoming flagship Galaxy devices, which SamMobile identifies as the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung has stated that additional details about supported devices and experiences will be announced soon, indicating the full compatibility list has not been published as of February 22, 2026.
Samsung also notes it does not make any promises, assurances, or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI feature outputs.
Considerations and Limitations
The 80% multi-agent usage figure is drawn from Samsung’s own internal research and has not been independently verified by a third-party organization. Perplexity integration in third-party apps beyond Samsung’s own suite has no confirmed partners at launch. Device eligibility beyond the Galaxy S26 series remains unspecified, meaning Galaxy S25 and older device owners should wait for Samsung’s official supported-device announcement before anticipating these features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Galaxy AI’s multi-agent ecosystem?
Galaxy AI’s multi-agent ecosystem is a framework-level architecture that lets multiple AI agents operate across Samsung’s OS simultaneously. Galaxy AI acts as an orchestrator, reducing the need for users to switch apps or repeat commands manually. Perplexity is the first external agent added to this system.
How do I activate Perplexity on the Galaxy S26?
You can say “Hey Plex” as a dedicated voice wake phrase, or press and hold the side button, which can be assigned to launch Perplexity directly. The agent is embedded in Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar for in-app access without manual navigation.
Which Samsung devices will support the new Galaxy AI multi-agent features?
Samsung confirmed multi-agent support and Perplexity integration for upcoming flagship Galaxy devices. SamMobile identifies these as the Galaxy S26 series, set to be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 on February 25 in San Francisco. Support for existing devices has not been confirmed yet.
Does Perplexity replace Bixby on Galaxy devices?
No. Perplexity does not replace Bixby. According to Samsung and SamMobile, Perplexity becomes part of Bixby for web searches, extending Bixby’s capabilities rather than replacing the assistant. Both agents coexist within the Galaxy AI orchestration framework.
What apps support Perplexity integration at launch?
Samsung confirmed Perplexity is embedded in Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar. The company also stated integration will extend to select third-party apps but has not named any partners as of the February 22, 2026 announcement.
Does Galaxy AI work without internet or a Samsung Account?
A Samsung Account login may be required for certain Galaxy AI features. Samsung has not confirmed offline functionality for Perplexity integration specifically, and features relying on Perplexity’s conversational AI are expected to require an active connection. Availability also varies by region, device model, and carrier.
When will Galaxy AI multi-agent features be available?
Samsung has not published a specific release date. The Galaxy S26 series launches at Unpacked 2026 on February 25, 2026, and Galaxy AI multi-agent features are tied to upcoming flagship Galaxy devices. Additional rollout details will be announced by Samsung following the event.
