Chrome May Disappear from Future iPhones and Galaxies as AI Browsers Gain Ground

The mobile browser wars could be heating up soon, and Google Chrome might not be the king for much longer. While Google’s legal troubles with the U.S. Department of Justice have drawn headlines over alleged monopolistic behavior, it’s not the DOJ threatening Chrome’s dominance on your phone-it’s AI.

Perplexity AI, a promising startup backed by Nvidia, is making waves with its smart new browser called Comet. Currently in beta for desktops, Comet merges standard web browsing with AI superpowers, letting users interact with their data-like calendars, emails, and browsing history-to perform actions like summarizing pages or scheduling appointments on the fly.

Now, Perplexity’s CEO Aravind Srinivas says the company is in talks with major players-yes, including Apple and Samsung-to pre-install Comet on upcoming devices. That’s right: future iPhones and Galaxy phones could launch without Chrome or even Safari as the default browser.

This strategy hinges on a known behavior in tech: people rarely switch away from pre-installed apps. That’s why Google has fought so hard to remain the default search engine and browser partner on most phones.

But change might be coming. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 is rumored to pivot away from Google’s ecosystem, while Apple continues exploring its own AI features for Safari. And if Apple’s rumored acquisition of Perplexity pans out, the browser landscape could shift dramatically.

Srinivas admits convincing device makers to ditch Chrome won’t be easy-it’s deeply entrenched. Chrome commands nearly 70% of the mobile browser market, followed by Safari and Samsung’s native browser. But with Perplexity aiming for “tens to hundreds of millions” of users in 2025, a Comet-powered future might not be so far-fetched.

And they’re not alone. OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI-powered browser that could handle everything from trip planning to money management. It’s clear: mobile browsers are getting smarter, and the next big leap in how we surf the web could leave Chrome behind.