Apple Explores Perplexity Acquisition to Enhance AI Services
Deal News | Jun 22, 2025 | EIN
Apple is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Perplexity, an AI startup known for its search service that provides real-time answers from the web. Sources suggest that Apple's head of mergers and acquisitions, Adrian Perica, has discussed this potential purchase with other company leaders. Such an acquisition would aid Apple in developing an AI-based search engine amidst potential changes to its longstanding arrangement with Google as Apple's default search provider. The conversation is understood to be in early stages, and no formal offer has been made. The discussions may gain momentum post the Google antitrust trial resolution, which might influence Apple's necessity to find alternatives. Despite Apple's current restrained AI approach compared to competitors like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, a potential acquisition of Perplexity may signify a strategic pivot toward more aggressive AI integration. This comes amidst broader concerns in the AI sector about Apple's slow pace in cloud-based and enterprise AI innovations.
Sectors
- Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Search Engines
Geography
- United States – Apple is headquartered in the United States, and the potential acquisition of Perplexity is a major business move within the U.S. tech industry.
Industry
- Technology – The article discusses Apple's potential acquisition of an AI company to enhance its technology offerings.
- Artificial Intelligence – The primary focus of the article is on Apple's interest in AI technology through the acquisition of Perplexity.
- Search Engines – Apple's intention to leverage AI for developing a search engine indicates relevance to the Search Engine sector.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Inc. | Potential Buyer | Company | A leading technology company exploring the acquisition of Perplexity to bolster its AI capabilities. |
| Perplexity | Target Company | Company | An AI startup known for its real-time web search engine, potentially being considered for acquisition by Apple. |
| Adrian Perica | Head of Mergers and Acquisitions | Person | Apple's head of mergers and acquisitions involved in discussions about potentially acquiring Perplexity. |
| Eddy Cue | Services Chief | Person | Apple's services chief participating in discussions about the acquisition of Perplexity. |