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| Apple Reportedly Exploring Acquisition of Perplexity AI to Challenge Google Search Dominance. |
Apple is once again making headlines—this time not for a new iPhone or Mac, but because of its reported interest in acquiring Perplexity AI, a fast-growing AI-powered search engine that’s been gaining traction as a serious competitor to traditional search platforms.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is currently considering the possibility of acquiring Perplexity. While Apple has declined to comment on the matter, representatives from the startup claim they are unaware of any ongoing or upcoming merger or acquisition discussions.
Why Is Apple Eyeing Perplexity AI?
One major reason behind Apple’s interest could be the ongoing antitrust case against Google in the United States. Right now, Google Search is the default engine on iPhones—a deal that reportedly brings Apple around $20 billion annually. However, a court decision could overturn this long-standing agreement, pushing Apple to seek new search partners.
That’s where Perplexity comes into play. The startup recently reached a valuation of $14 billion, a significant number considering its relatively young age. If Apple goes through with the acquisition, it would be the company’s largest purchase ever, surpassing its $3 billion Beats acquisition more than a decade ago.
Acquisition or Strategic Partnership?
While rumors of a full acquisition are swirling, there’s also talk that Apple may instead form a strategic partnership. The idea would be to integrate Perplexity’s AI search capabilities into Apple’s ecosystem—perhaps within Safari or Siri. Sources suggest the two companies have already held multiple meetings to discuss potential collaborations.
However, Apple isn’t the only tech giant interested in Perplexity. The startup is also reportedly in talks with Samsung to embed its AI features into Samsung devices. If that partnership materializes, it could complicate Apple’s plans for exclusivity or a buyout.
What This Could Mean for iPhone Users
If Apple does move forward with either a purchase or a partnership, iPhone users could see a major upgrade in their search experience. Imagine asking Siri questions and getting intelligent, conversational answers powered by AI—seamlessly built into your device.
