Apple Top Exec Considers Buying Perplexity
Perplexity’s price tag would dwarf Apple’s $3 billion Beats deal from 2014.
Apple is reportedly considering its largest-ever acquisition: a potential bid for AI startup Perplexity, known for its real-time conversational search engine, according to Bloomberg.
Valued at $14 billion, Perplexity’s price tag would dwarf Apple’s $3 billion Beats deal from 2014.
The iPhone maker has held multiple meetings with Perplexity, involving senior executives like Adrian Perica and Eddy Cue, though no formal offer has been made.
Apple declined to comment, while Perplexity says it has "no knowledge of any current or future M&A discussions."
The move is seen as strategic—Apple currently lacks a flagship generative AI product, and acquiring Perplexity could provide both technology and talent to accelerate its AI roadmap.
It could also serve as a hedge against the DOJ-challenged $20 billion search deal with Google.
Apple is also exploring a partnership, possibly integrating Perplexity into Safari or Siri. However, Samsung is also eyeing a deal with Perplexity, complicating Apple’s path.
