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Is Apple About to Ditch Google? Inside Its Quiet Talks to Buy Perplexity AI
Apple + Perplexity AI? The Search (Engine) for Independence
First, Meta. Now Apple.
Just days after reports surfaced that Meta Platforms (META) had held discussions with AI startup Perplexity, new leaks suggest that Apple (AAPL) is also internally toying with the idea of buying the fast-growing generative AI search company.
According to Bloomberg, Apple’s head of M&A, Adrian Perica, and longtime Services boss Eddy Cue have informally discussed the acquisition with senior AI leadership inside Cupertino.
No formal offer has been made. But even internal chatter at Apple says a lot about where the tech giant may be heading.
Why Perplexity AI?
Perplexity AI has quickly become one of the most promising challengers to Google Search.
It offers:
- AI-native, citation-based answers
- A user-friendly search/chat hybrid interface
- Real-time updates and knowledge sourcing
It’s basically “ChatGPT meets Google—but explainable.”
Apple likely sees Perplexity as an opportunity to:
- Build its own AI-powered search engine
- Loosen its reliance on Google Search, which currently pays Apple $15–20 billion/year to be Safari’s default
The Antitrust Elephant in the Room
Apple’s default search deal with Google is under serious threat from the U.S. Department of Justice’s ongoing antitrust case against Alphabet. If regulators force Apple to drop Google, Apple needs a Plan B.
Owning Perplexity could:
- Provide an in-house search alternative
- Keep Services revenue intact (or even grow it)
- Push Apple further into the AI ecosystem without relying on OpenAI or Microsoft
The Bigger Picture: AI Arms Race
This comes amid a gold rush of generative AI M&A:
- Microsoft owns a big stake in OpenAI.
- Google is doubling down on Gemini.
- Meta has been flirting with Perplexity too.
- Amazon backed Anthropic.
If Apple wants to remain a top-tier platform player—not just a device seller—it needs its own AI layer. Perplexity could be the most plug-and-play way to get there.
So Will Apple Actually Buy Perplexity?
Right now, it’s still speculation. There’s no public term sheet, no valuation leaks, and no signal from Tim Cook himself.
But this shows Apple is:
- Internally prepping for life after Google
- Quietly building toward AI search independence
- Potentially hedging its Services cash cow with a cheaper, controlled alternative
Final Thought: If This Deal Happens, It’s a Big One
This wouldn’t just be about acquiring a cool AI app—it would be about Apple owning the front door of the internet again.
In a world where search is being reimagined by generative AI chat, Apple might finally stop renting from Google—and start building its own house.
DISCLAIMER: This analysis of the aforementioned stock security is in no way to be construed, understood, or seen as formal, professional, or any other form of investment advice. We are simply expressing our opinions regarding a publicly traded entity.
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