Snapchat AI Update Challenges ‘My AI’

Snap’s Snapchat AI update signals a major partnership with Perplexity AI, deepening its artificial intelligence investment. This new deal will see Perplexity’s powerful conversational search tool integrated directly into the Snapchat application, offering users a fresh avenue for AI-driven engagement.

This move signals Snap’s intent to remain a key player in the evolving AI landscape. However, it also introduces a direct competitor to its own existing chatbot.

A New Contender in the Chat

Perplexity, part of the new Snapchat AI update, is not merely another clone in the generative AI field. It positions itself not just as a chatbot, but as a sophisticated “answer engine.” Unlike models primarily trained on static datasets, Perplexity’s strength lies in its ability to draw information directly from web sources.

The service has garnered a reputation for research prowess and accuracy, as it can provide clear, conversational answers complete with verifiable sources. This focus on verifiable, real-time information distinguishes it from many contemporaries. The company reports that its platform already handles over 150 million questions every week, indicating a substantial and growing user base.

According to Snap, this integration is slated to launch in early 2026. Perplexity will appear within the main Chat interface for Snapchatters across the globe. The goal is to allow users to ask questions and receive reliable, sourced answers without ever leaving the messaging environment.

A Crowded Conversation After This Snapchat AI Update?

This integration, however, raises an immediate and interesting question: what does this mean for “My AI,” Snapchat’s incumbent artificial intelligence assistant?

Snapchat’s own Help Centre notes that “My AI” is a powerful tool in its own right, “powered by Large Language Models like GPT models from OpenAI and Gemini models from Google.” It has also been customised with safety enhancements and controls specific to the Snapchat platform.

With the arrival of Perplexity, it appears Snap is planning to offer two distinct AI chatbots simultaneously.

My AI vs. Perplexity

Theoretically, this provides a unique benefit to users. A Snapchatter could pose the same complex question to both “My AI” and Perplexity, directly comparing the creative, trained response from one against the research-driven, sourced answer from the other. Perplexity is known for academic queries, so it could become the go-to for homework or fact-checking. In contrast, “My AI” might remain the preferred bot for creative ideas or casual conversation.

Presuming “My AI” remains a fixture, this dual-bot strategy is not without its risks.

Competing for Inbox Real Estate: The Snapchat AI update

The Snapchat Chat interface is already a busy space. Beyond personal conversations with friends, users must also navigate “Sponsored Snaps” – advertisements placed directly within their message list.

Adding a second AI chatbot to this mix could clutter the interface, potentially leading to user frustration. A private inbox is a sensitive area for any social platform. Consequently, too many non-human entities and ads could annoy the loyal user base.

The $400 Million Rationale

So why would Snap risk complicating its user experience? The answer appears to be overwhelmingly financial.

A significant commercial arrangement underpins the partnership. Perplexity is reportedly paying Snap a staggering $400 million for the privilege of being featured in Snapchat inboxes for a single year.

This figure provides a clear rationale for Snap’s strategy with the new Snapchat AI update. For a sum of that magnitude, the company is likely more than willing to manage any potential user experience challenges that arise from a more crowded inbox. The deal provides Snap with a massive, guaranteed revenue stream whilst simultaneously bolstering its credentials as a platform at the forefront of AI integration.

As the early 2026 launch date approaches, Snapchat users can prepare for a more intelligent – and potentially more congested – chat experience.