Samsung is ramping up its AI capabilities, going beyond its current reliance on Google’s Gemini AI. This push started with the Galaxy S24 series last year and has been expanding through its Galaxy AI suite. However, it seems Samsung isn’t planning to settle with just Google’s offering for long. 
Choi Won-Joon, the president and COO of Samsung’s mobile division, recently shared with Reuters that the company is exploring multiple AI alternatives to improve user experience.
While Google’s Gemini is still powering much of Samsung’s AI functionalities, the company is in active discussions with other major AI providers, such as OpenAI and Perplexity, with the aim to integrate these technologies into their upcoming smartphones-likely beginning with the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung is even reported to be nearing a deal to invest in Perplexity, which would see its AI app and assistant incorporated directly into Samsung phones. OpenAI is also a contender, but Samsung has yet to make any investments in the company.
Choi emphasized Samsung’s open approach, stating, “We’re talking to multiple vendors. As long as these AI agents are competitive and can provide the best user experiences, we are open to any AI agent out there.” This flexible stance signals that Samsung is not committed to a single AI provider and is actively seeking the best possible solutions for its users.
Beyond AI, Samsung is also keeping a close eye on its hardware plans for future devices. Choi commented on the rumored entry of Apple into the foldable smartphone market, a space Samsung has largely dominated so far. He believes Apple’s involvement could ultimately benefit the industry as a whole. On the processor front, Samsung is evaluating both the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and the Exynos 2600 for the Galaxy S26 series, although a final decision on which to use has not yet been made.