In a bold move to disrupt the mobile browsing ecosystem, Perplexity—an emerging AI-powered search engine—has entered advanced discussions with multiple smartphone manufacturers to pre-install its new browser, Comet, on Android devices.
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Perplexity is not just positioning Comet as another browser. The company sees it as a gateway to a smarter, more conversational search experience, with its AI engine built directly into the browsing flow. The Comet browser integrates Perplexity’s signature AI assistant, enabling users to ask natural-language questions, summarize webpages instantly, and receive contextual answers—all without leaving the page.
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This pre-installation strategy mimics the dominance achieved by browsers like Google Chrome and Safari, which maintain their market share largely through default placements on Android and iOS. Perplexity’s CEO believes that changing user defaults at the point of sale is one of the few viable ways to compete with tech giants, as users rarely switch browsers after setup.
Negotiations are reportedly focused on upcoming models from mid-range Android phone makers in emerging markets, where brand loyalty is less entrenched, and AI integration is seen as a differentiator. The goal is to debut Comet in late 2025 with at least one major manufacturer onboard.
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While some industry observers are skeptical, citing the massive infrastructure and brand power behind Chrome and Safari, others believe Perplexity’s AI-first approach may appeal to a new generation of users who want quicker, smarter answers over traditional web links.
If successful, Perplexity’s move could reshape how users access information on mobile devices—prioritizing answers over ads and AI interaction over indexed search results.
