Apple is said to be weighing a potential bid to acquire Perplexity, an emerging player in the AI space. According to reports, the tech giant has held internal discussions about the purchase as a way to enhance its proprietary AI tools and technologies. The move comes amid ongoing setbacks in the rollout of key AI-driven features like Siri, which continue to face delays with no confirmed launch timeline. Should the deal go through, it would reportedly mark the most expensive acquisition in Apple’s history.
Apple Reportedly Exploring Perplexity AI Takeover
A recent Bloomberg report suggests that Apple has engaged in early-stage internal discussions about a potential acquisition of Perplexity, an AI startup. According to sources familiar with the matter, the talks have involved Adrian Perica, Apple’s Vice President of Corporate Development and head of M&A strategy.
However, the deliberations remain preliminary, with no assurance of a formal offer materializing. Notably, Apple has yet to make any direct contact with Perplexity’s leadership regarding a possible deal.
If the deal goes through, it could pave the way for Apple to build its own AI-driven search engine, giving a much-needed boost to its lagging AI development. Such a move could also serve as a strategic hedge, particularly if the ongoing antitrust case results in a negative outcome and threatens Apple’s existing $20 billion partnership.
However, acquiring Perplexity would mark a rare and costly venture for the tech giant. According to another Bloomberg report, Apple has made only three acquisitions exceeding $1 billion in its history, with the largest being Beats, acquired for $3 billion in 2014. By comparison, Perplexity’s valuation stands at $14 billion following its latest funding round, underscoring the significance and scale of this potential deal.
Although Apple’s acquisition of Perplexity remains speculative at this stage, such a move could significantly enhance its current AI portfolio and potentially reshape the capabilities of its next-generation devices.
