Apple Considers Buying AI Startup Perplexity

June 21, 2025

🔍 Key Details:

1. Internal Talks:
   • Apple executives discussed acquiring Perplexity (AI search startup).
   • Talks are early-stage — no formal offer made yet.
   • Involved Apple’s M&A head Adrian Perica and AI/service leaders.
2. Perplexity’s Response:“We have no knowledge of any current or future M&A discussions.”
   • Recently valued at $14 billion (would be Apple’s biggest-ever acquisition).
3. Why?
   • Apple may integrate Perplexity’s AI search tools into Safari (replacing Google?).
   • Part of Apple’s push into AI-powered services amid tech industry competition.
4. Big Tech AI Race:
   • Meta also tried to buy Perplexity earlier in 2025.
   • Companies like Google (Gemini) and OpenAI (ChatGPT) dominate AI search.

⚖️ Broader Context:

• U.S. vs. Google: DOJ may ban Google from paying to be Safari’s default search.
• Trend: Younger users prefer AI tools (like Perplexity) over traditional search engines.

💡 What’s Next?

• Deal may not happen — talks are preliminary.
• If finalized, Apple could reshape web search with AI.