Picture: Apple/Perplexity
Apple reportedly held inside discussions to accumulate AI startup Perplexity AI. The latter is an AI-powered search engine. It makes use of a big language mannequin (LLM) to course of the solutions and presents them in an easier-to-understand format.
The discussions inside Apple are seemingly at an early degree, and it could not even formally present a suggestion to the younger startup.
Apple considers bid to accumulate Perplexity
A number of stories have highlighted Apple’s struggles with AI and Apple Intelligence. The long-overdue next-gen smarter Siri will now solely arrive in 2026 regardless of Apple initially showcasing it at WWDC24 final yr.
To enhance its AI services, Apple additionally rejigged its AI management administration. However buying an AI-focused startup could be a greater possibility for Apple. This may give it fast and quick access to extra AI expertise and expertise.
Bloomberg stories that Adrian Perica, the pinnacle of mergers and acquisitions, mentioned buying Perplexity AI with Eddy Cue and different executives concerned in Apple’s AI efforts. Nonetheless, the talks are within the early levels and should not materialize.
“Such a deal would assist Apple develop an AI-based search engine, a part of efforts to deal with the potential lack of a longstanding association with Google,” says Mark Gurman within the report.
Google pays Apple billions yearly to stay the default search engine on its gadgets. However with this association beneath scrutiny by US regulators, it gained’t final lengthy.
Apparently, Apple’s SVP of Providers, Eddy Cue, talked about doubtlessly constructing AI-powered search in Safari in Could this yr.
Perplexity might quickly signal a take care of Samsung
Earlier this yr, Perplexity signed a take care of Motorola to ship because the default search engine on its gadgets. Samsung can also be reportedly near signing a take care of the startup to combine the AI search engine on the Galaxy S26 collection subsequent yr. As a part of the deal, Samsung might even put money into the younger firm.
If not an acquisition, Apple might signal an identical take care of Perplexity. This may allow it to supply the AI-powered search engine as an possibility in Safari.