Apple explores acquiring Perplexity AI to supercharge search

Apple reportedly held internal discussions to acquire AI startup Perplexity AI. The latter is an AI-powered search engine. It uses a large language model (LLM) to process the answers and presents them in an easier-to-understand format.

The discussions inside Apple are seemingly at an early level, and it may not even officially provide an offer to the young startup.

Apple considers bid to acquire Perplexity

Multiple reports have highlighted Apple’s struggles with AI and Apple Intelligence. The long-overdue next-gen smarter Siri will now only arrive in 2026 despite Apple initially showcasing it at WWDC24 last year.

To improve its AI products and services, Apple also rejigged its AI leadership management. But acquiring an AI-focused startup might be a better option for Apple. This would give it quick and easy access to more AI talent and technology.

Bloomberg reports that Adrian Perica, the head of mergers and acquisitions, discussed acquiring Perplexity AI with Eddy Cue and other executives involved in Apple’s AI efforts. However, the talks are in the early stages and may not materialize.

“Such a deal would help Apple develop an AI-based search engine, part of efforts to cope with the potential loss of a longstanding arrangement with Google,” says Mark Gurman in the report.

Google pays Apple billions annually to remain the default search engine on its devices. But with this arrangement under scrutiny by US regulators, it won’t last long.

Interestingly, Apple’s SVP of Services, Eddy Cue, talked about potentially building AI-powered search in Safari in May this year.

Perplexity may soon sign a deal with Samsung

Earlier this year, Perplexity signed a deal with Motorola to ship as the default search engine on its devices. Samsung is also reportedly close to signing a deal with the startup to integrate the AI search engine on the Galaxy S26 series next year. As part of the deal, Samsung may even invest in the young company.

If not an acquisition, Apple could sign a similar deal with Perplexity. This would enable it to offer the AI-powered search engine as an option in Safari.