Samsung's Galaxy S26 series launched with a unique AI feature: the ability to wake Perplexity's assistant hands-free using the phrase "Hey Plex." But the company's first software update for the flagship phones removed this capability entirely, eliminating the "Hey Plex detection" toggle from settings.

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed the wake phrase isn't being eliminated, just rebranded. The command will return as "Hey Perplexity" to strengthen the assistant's identity and avoid potential confusion with other products using similar names. This change suggests the original "Hey Plex" phrase may have overlapped with existing brands.

For now, Galaxy S26 users must manually launch Perplexity through the side button or app. The temporary loss highlights the messy reality of AI rollouts, where features can disappear and reappear as companies refine their offerings. Despite this hiccup, Samsung continues pushing a multi-assistant strategy, letting users choose between Gemini, Bixby, and Perplexity based on their needs. Perplexity offers deeper integration with Samsung's ecosystem, working with apps like Notes, Calendar, and Reminders.