Technology

Is Apple Eyeing a Game-Changing Deal with Perplexity to Supercharge Its AI Efforts?

2025-06-23

Author: Ling

Apple's Potential Acquisition: A Strategic Move in the AI Arena

In a bold move to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, Apple is reportedly considering acquiring Perplexity, an innovative AI startup that specializes in delivering real-time answers from the web. This revelation emerged from a Bloomberg report on June 20, which highlights Apple's urgency to boost its tech prowess amid shifting market dynamics.

Inside Apple's Strategic Discussions

Sources close to the situation revealed that Adrian Perica, Apple's head of mergers and acquisitions, has engaged in early discussions with services chief Eddy Cue and other key AI leaders within the company. However, it's important to note that these conversations may not lead to a formal purchase just yet.

Why This Acquisition Matters for Apple

Acquiring Perplexity could be a game-changer for Apple. With whispers of a potential end to its longstanding partnership with Google—where Google serves as the default search engine on Apple devices—this acquisition would allow Apple to develop its proprietary AI-based search engine. Perplexity currently handles an impressive 780 million queries each month, showcasing an astounding growth rate of over 20% month over month.

Timing is Everything: Key Factors at Play

Interestingly, any serious discussions about acquiring Perplexity are likely contingent on the outcome of the ongoing Google antitrust trial. Following the ruling, Apple will have crucial insights into whether it needs to pivot away from its relationship with Google.

Perplexity's Response and Apple's Legacy in AI

While Perplexity has publicly stated, "We have no knowledge of any current or future M&A discussions involving Perplexity," the buzz surrounding the potential acquisition continues to heat up. Apple has been relatively conservative in its approach to AI compared to rivals like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, who are boldly embracing advanced AI technologies.

The Bigger Picture: Is Apple Keeping Pace?

As competitors roll out large-scale AI solutions and business applications, observers can't help but wonder: Is Apple strategizing for long-term success, or is it at risk of falling behind? While it currently offers targeted features like real-time voicemail transcripts and enhanced search capabilities, the stakes are high in the tech race for AI supremacy.