Perplexity AI in talks to pre-install its browser on smartphones

Perplexity AI, backed by Nvidia, is in talks with mobile device makers to pre-install its AI-powered Comet browser on smartphones.

The goal is to expand its user base by leveraging users’ tendency to stick with default browsers.

Currently in beta and available only on desktop, Comet lets users ask about personal data like emails and calendars, schedule tasks, and summarize web pages.

CEO Aravind Srinivas acknowledged it’s hard to convince OEMs to switch from established browsers.

Google Chrome holds a 70% mobile market share, while Safari and Samsung’s browser account for another 24%.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Browser pre-installation reveals the critical “default advantage” in tech competition

Perplexity’s pursuit of pre-installation deals highlights the significant importance of default status in digital markets.

The article specifically mentions “browser stickiness” as a key factor driving Perplexity’s strategy, acknowledging how users tend to remain with pre-installed software rather than actively seeking alternatives.

This trend is evident in the current market distribution where Google Chrome commands approximately 70% of the mobile browser market, while Apple’s Safari and Samsung’s browsers together control about 24%.

The concentration of market share among default browsers reveals why Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas acknowledged the challenge, stating: “It’s not easy to convince mobile OEMs to change the default browser to Comet from Chrome.”

This dynamic explains why tech companies frequently engage in multi-billion dollar deals to secure default status, such as Google’s payments to Apple (reported to be around $20 billion annually in separate industry reports) to remain Safari’s default search engine.

2️⃣ AI browsers represent the next major battleground for big tech

The article highlights a growing competitive interest in AI-enhanced browsers that go beyond traditional search functionality.

Perplexity’s Comet browser, which can interact with personal data like emails and calendars while performing tasks such as scheduling meetings, demonstrates how the browser is evolving from passive content display to active assistant.