Apple Inc. is reportedly in early-stage discussions about a potential bid for artificial intelligence startup Perplexity, according to a Bloomberg News report citing sources familiar with the matter.
The talks are said to be preliminary, with no formal offer made and no direct contact yet between Apple and Perplexity’s management. In response to a Reuters inquiry, Perplexity stated, “We have no knowledge of any current or future M&A discussions involving Perplexity.”
Perplexity, recently valued at $14 billion following a funding round, offers AI-powered search tools that provide users with summarized answers—similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. The startup is also backed by chipmaker Nvidia.
Apple’s internal discussions have reportedly included Adrian Perica, head of mergers and acquisitions, along with services chief Eddy Cue and other senior AI executives.
The company is believed to be considering integrating AI-driven search capabilities like those offered by Perplexity into its Safari browser. Such a move could signal a strategic shift away from its long-running search partnership with Google.
The potential acquisition would represent Apple’s most significant foray yet into the AI search space and could become its largest deal to date if valued close to Perplexity’s current estimate.
The report comes amid a broader wave of AI investment among major tech firms. Meta Platforms also reportedly attempted to acquire Perplexity earlier this year. The company recently committed $14.8 billion to AI infrastructure provider Scale AI and hired its CEO, Alexandr Wang, to lead Meta’s new superintelligence division.
As AI-driven search tools gain traction—especially among younger users—traditional search giants like Google are facing increasing competition. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently pursuing antitrust measures against Google, including proposals to end its practice of paying companies to remain the default search engine.
Apple’s reported interest in Perplexity underscores the intensifying race among tech giants to secure a leading position in the future of AI-powered search.
