Galaxy S26 Could Swap ‘Hey Plex’ for ‘Hey Perplexity’ Wake Word

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S26 series could soon see a change in how users wake the Perplexity AI assistant. Previously, users could say “Hey Plex” to summon the assistant hands-free. However, this wake word was recently removed, and it might be replaced with “Hey Perplexity.” The company has yet to confirm when the new wake word will roll out.

Perplexity CEO says Galaxy S26 will get ‘Hey Perplexity’ wake word

Samsung recently pushed its first software update for the Galaxy S26 series. While the update brought the February 2026 security patch and features like the Inactivity Restart, it quietly removed the “Hey Plex” wake word for Perplexity AI. The option to enable the wake word is no longer available in the Perplexity app’s settings.

While the hands-free feature is missing, the assistant itself has not been removed from the device. You can trigger the Perplexity AI by pressing and holding the phone’s side button. Once opened, it continues to work like before, letting you ask questions.

Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, has now addressed the removal of the wake word. In reply to a user comment on X (now deleted), he confirmed that the “Hey Plex” wake command will change to  “Hey Perplexity” (via 9to5Google).

As of now, it’s unclear the reason for the change, though it is likely to promote the Perplexity brand name. Or maybe the firm faced legal challenges from Plex, the streaming media service. This is just speculation, of course, as neither Samsung nor Perplexity has officially explained. We’ll let you know if more details become available.

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