Galaxy S26's First Update Reportedly Removes 'Hey Plex' Voice Feature
Samsung's recently launched Galaxy S26 series, the latest iteration of its flagship non-foldable smartphones, appears to have lost a notable AI feature shortly after release. The 'Hey Plex' voice activation command for the Perplexity AI assistant, which was present on initial units, seems to have been removed following the device's first software update.
Feature Disappearance After Update
When the Galaxy S26 Ultra and other models in the series first reached users, the Perplexity app included a 'Hey Plex detection' option in its settings. This feature allowed users to activate the Perplexity assistant by simply saying "Hey Plex," bringing the AI interface to the screen for voice queries and interactions. The functionality provided a third voice-activated assistant option alongside Samsung's Bixby and Google's Gemini, both of which respond to "Hi Bixby" and "Hey Gemini" respectively.
However, after installing the first software update released for the Galaxy S26 series, the 'Hey Plex detection' option is no longer available within the Perplexity app settings. Users who attempt to activate the assistant with the voice command now find it unresponsive. This change effectively reduces the number of voice-activated assistants available on the device from three to two.
Uncertain Origins of the Change
The exact cause of the feature's removal remains unclear. While it's possible that Perplexity removed the functionality through an app update, observations suggest the disappearance coincided with Samsung's system software update rather than a standalone app update. The timing points toward the system update as the likely culprit, though neither Samsung nor Perplexity has provided official confirmation or explanation for the change.
This development is particularly notable because the 'Hey Plex' feature represented one of the new capabilities distinguishing the Galaxy S26 from its predecessor, the Galaxy S25. The removal so soon after launch raises questions about whether the feature was intentionally discontinued or if technical issues prompted its temporary or permanent removal.
Current Voice Assistant Landscape
With the apparent removal of 'Hey Plex' activation, Galaxy S26 users now have access to two primary voice assistants through wake words. Samsung's Bixby remains integrated for device control and Samsung-specific functions, while Google's Gemini provides broader AI assistance and search capabilities. The reduction from three to two voice-activated options simplifies the user experience but also removes a differentiating feature that some early adopters may have appreciated.
The Perplexity app itself remains available and functional on the Galaxy S26, but users must now open it manually or through other shortcuts rather than using the convenient voice activation. This change represents a shift in how users interact with what was positioned as a key AI feature of the new device lineup.
Conclusion
The disappearance of the 'Hey Plex' voice activation feature following the Galaxy S26's first software update represents an unexpected early change to the device's functionality. While the core Perplexity assistant remains accessible through other means, the loss of hands-free voice activation reduces convenience and eliminates what was marketed as a distinguishing feature of the new flagship series. As Samsung typically refines features through software updates rather than removing them so promptly, this development warrants attention. Users and industry observers await clarification from Samsung or Perplexity regarding whether this change is permanent and what motivated it, as it could signal broader adjustments to the AI assistant strategy on Samsung's flagship devices.