Samsung is reportedly developing support for a new voice activation hotword, “Hey Plex,” for the Perplexity AI assistant on its future Galaxy smartphones, potentially making it an alternative to Google’s Gemini. According to an APK teardown of the latest Perplexity Android app (version 2.69.3) conducted by Android Authority in collaboration with tipster AssembleDebug, strings in the code reference an in-development wake word feature. This would allow users to summon the AI assistant hands-free, even when the device screen is off, mirroring the functionality currently offered by “Hey Gemini” on Galaxy phones.

To enable the “Hey Plex” command, users would need to record a personal voiceprint during setup, agreeing to terms that include voice data collection and processing. The feature requires microphone access for continuous listening and supports deletion or re-recording of the voiceprint if needed. However, it appears restricted to the phone’s built-in microphones—users would see a “Please disconnect” prompt if Bluetooth headphones or external mics are connected. The integration leverages Samsung-specific services, including new call-in actions such as samsung.hotword. service and a WakeWordDetectionService foreground service, optimized through the com.samsung.android.hotword.sdk. IHotwordSdk framework for seamless performance on Galaxy hardware.

The teardown also uncovered two image files suggesting Perplexity may come pre-installed on upcoming devices, reinforcing earlier reports of a deeper collaboration between Samsung and Perplexity. This partnership is expected to roll out with the One UI 8.5 software update, anticipated to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. While Gemini remains the primary AI assistant on current Galaxy models, adding Perplexity as a native option could give users greater choice in AI capabilities, potentially including Perplexity’s strengths in real-time search and conversational answers.

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Samsung’s move aligns with a broader industry trend of expanding AI assistant ecosystems on smartphones, offering consumers multiple specialized tools rather than relying on a single provider. The “Hey Plex” hotword, if implemented, would represent a significant step in making Perplexity a core part of the Galaxy experience. As development continues, more details about the feature’s availability, performance, and any limitations are likely to emerge closer to the Galaxy S26 launch.

The Galaxy S26 series is poised to introduce several AI-driven enhancements under One UI 8.5, and the potential integration of Perplexity as a voice-activated assistant adds to the anticipation surrounding Samsung’s flagship lineup. While official confirmation from Samsung is still pending, the APK findings provide a strong indication that users may soon be able to interact with Perplexity using a dedicated wake word on future Galaxy devices.

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