Perplexity AI, the fast-growing startup backed by Nvidia and aiming to rival Google in AI search, is in active discussions with smartphone manufacturers to pre-install its new mobile browser, Comet, on devices, CEO Aravind Srinivas told Reuters on Friday.

If successful, the move could dramatically increase Perplexity’s user base by leveraging what’s known as browser “stickiness”—the tendency for users to stick with the default browser that comes pre-installed on their phones. This could drive frequent use of Perplexity’s AI-powered features.

“It’s not easy to convince mobile OEMs to change the default browser to Comet from Chrome,” Srinivas admitted, referencing the strong user habits that dominate mobile ecosystems.

Currently in beta and limited to desktops, Comet is designed to bring AI into every layer of the browsing experience. It allows users to interact with their personal data—like emails, calendars, and browsing history—by asking natural-language questions, scheduling events, or summarizing web pages.

Perplexity’s long-term goal is to expand Comet to “tens to hundreds of millions” of users next year, following a stable desktop rollout to a few hundred thousand early testers.

The company’s push aligns with a broader industry trend toward “agentic” browsers—tools that can autonomously carry out tasks with minimal human input. Reuters recently reported that OpenAI is also developing a browser in this category, potentially capable of handling complex actions like booking trips or managing personal finances.

As of last month, Google’s Chrome dominated the mobile browser market with a 70% share, followed by Apple’s Safari and Samsung’s browser at a combined 24%, according to Statcounter.

In June, Bloomberg reported that Perplexity was in talks with both Samsung and Apple to integrate its AI search technology into their ecosystems, potentially enhancing digital assistants like Bixby and Siri.

Perplexity recently completed a $500 million funding round, bringing its valuation to $14 billion. Its backers include tech heavyweights such as Accel, Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

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