New AI Clash on Google Accused of Blocking Use Perplexity

The battle over who controls your smartphone’s AI experience just intensified. Perplexity AI’s CEO has publicly accused Google of blocking Motorola from shipping phones with Perplexity’s AI assistant—shedding light on the rising tension between big tech gatekeepers and emerging AI challengers.

What Happened?

According to Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, Motorola had planned to integrate Perplexity’s AI-powered search assistant into an upcoming Android phone. But when Motorola submitted the device for Google’s Android certification—a required step for using the Play Store—Google allegedly rejected it on the grounds that Perplexity’s assistant would interfere with default system features.

Perplexity’s tool offers direct, citation-backed answers, making it a growing rival to Google Search. Blocking it from Motorola phones could limit user choice and strengthen Google’s grip on Android’s AI ecosystem.

Why It Matters

This dispute isn’t just about one phone—it’s about the future of AI access and competition in mobile platforms. Here’s what’s at stake:

• User Choice: If smartphone makers are restricted in which AI assistants they can ship, consumers may never get to try non-Google options.
• Market Competition: Perplexity has positioned itself as a privacy-focused, ad-free alternative to traditional search. If it’s locked out of major devices, its growth could be stifled.
• Google’s Control Over Android: Although Android is open source, access to key services like the Play Store and Google apps hinges on passing compatibility tests—giving Google leverage over hardware partners.

Google’s Response

As of now, Google has not issued an official response to Perplexity’s claims. Industry observers note that Google enforces guidelines to ensure “device compatibility and security,” which may include restrictions on apps that modify core user experiences.

But critics argue that AI assistants are becoming the new “default browser”—and controlling defaults may be the next frontier in antitrust battles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Perplexity AI and how does it differ from Google?
Perplexity is an AI search assistant that delivers real-time answers with clear citations. It emphasizes transparency, speed, and a cleaner interface—without the ad-driven model that powers traditional search engines like Google.

Q2: Why was Motorola blocked from using Perplexity?
According to Perplexity’s CEO, Google blocked the phone during Android certification because the AI assistant replaced core system features, potentially violating Android’s compatibility requirements.

Q3: Could this become an antitrust issue?
Possibly. If regulators view Google’s actions as anti-competitive—similar to previous cases involving default browsers or app stores—it could lead to further scrutiny or legal challenges over Android’s openness.

Sources Bloomberg