The Chrome Challenger? Perplexity Wants Comet AI Pre-Installed on Devices
Nvidia-backed startup Perplexity AI is currently negotiating with mobile device manufacturers to pre-install its new Comet browser on smartphones. CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed the ongoing talks in an interview with Reuters on Friday. If successful, this strategy could help Perplexity tap into the “stickiness” of pre-installed apps a factor that often locks users into long-term use.
“It’s not easy to convince mobile OEMs to change the default browser to Comet from Chrome,” Srinivas acknowledged, referring to the challenge of altering long-standing user habits on mobile platforms. Despite this difficulty, pre-installation remains a key route to expanding Comet’s user base.
Currently available only in beta on desktop, Comet integrates Perplexity’s AI directly into the browsing experience. Users can ask questions about their own data such as emails, calendars, or browsing history and perform tasks like summarizing webpages or scheduling meetings. After testing the browser with several hundred thousand users, Perplexity plans to scale it to “tens to hundreds of millions” in the coming year.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Shifts
This push reflects a broader trend in the tech industry toward agentic AI browsers. These tools aim to perform tasks with minimal human input, a shift that could reshape how people interact with the web. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that OpenAI is also developing an agentic AI browser capable of handling complex jobs, including travel bookings and financial management.
Meanwhile, Perplexity’s competitors dominate the market. As of June, Google’s Chrome held roughly 70% of the mobile browser market. Safari and Samsung Internet followed, controlling a combined 24%, according to Statcounter. Clearly, any new entrant faces stiff competition, especially one targeting default browser status.
Strategic Alliances and Investment Momentum
In addition to browser talks, Perplexity is reportedly engaged in broader discussions with Apple and Samsung. As Bloomberg News revealed in June, the company has explored partnerships to integrate its AI search capabilities into devices potentially upgrading virtual assistants like Siri or Bixby.
Backing for Perplexity has been strong. The company recently secured $500 million in funding, pushing its valuation to $14 billion. Investors include Accel, Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. With this support and an ambitious roadmap, Perplexity is positioning itself to challenge established giants in both AI and mobile browsing.
