Apple, Meta, Samsung Reportedly Explore Acquisition of AI Startup Perplexity

Apple is actively exploring the acquisition or partnership with Perplexity AI, a notable AI search startup valued at $14 billion, to enhance its AI capabilities and reduce reliance on Google's search engine, particularly amid antitrust pressures. Perplexity offers advanced AI-powered conversational search and summary technology, which could significantly improve Apple's Siri and Safari offerings. Meta also expressed interest in acquiring Perplexity but did not reach a formal deal, reflecting fierce competition among tech giants for AI talent and innovation. Samsung is reportedly close to investing in Perplexity to bolster AI features in its Galaxy devices, potentially giving it an edge in AI development. Although talks between Apple and Perplexity are in early stages and may not culminate in a deal, acquiring Perplexity would mark Apple's largest acquisition to date and signify a strategic pivot toward AI-driven search. This potential deal faces regulatory scrutiny given Apple's existing $20 billion annual revenue from its search arrangement with Google and ongoing antitrust litigation against the latter.