If you’ve been following the tech world lately, you’ve probably seen the buzz around Apple and its potential interest in acquiring Perplexity AI. It’s a story that’s turning heads and for good reason. Apple, known for its tight-lipped innovation strategy, is reportedly exploring what could be its biggest acquisition ever. Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about the potential Apple–Perplexity deal, and why it matters for the future of AI.
What’s the buzz around Apple and Perplexity AI?
Apple is reportedly in early-stage discussions about acquiring Perplexity AI, a fast-rising star in the generative AI space. According to Bloomberg and Reuters, executives like Adrian Perica (Apple’s M&A chief) and Eddy Cue (SVP of Services) have already met with Perplexity multiple times. While nothing official is set in stone yet, this could be Apple’s largest acquisition to date potentially topping its $3 billion Beats deal back in 2014.
Why this move could be a game-changer
If this deal goes through, it would mark a major shift in Apple’s AI strategy. While Apple Intelligence is set to debut across iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, acquiring Perplexity would give Apple a unique AI-powered search engine to power its ecosystem. This isn’t just about keeping up with the competition it’s about redefining it.
Who’s involved in the talks
Two of Apple’s most trusted dealmakers are at the center of this: Adrian Perica and Eddy Cue. Their involvement signals that this isn’t just a random exploratory chat it’s a serious internal conversation. Though no official negotiations are underway yet, the possibility of a strategic partnership or full acquisition is definitely on the table.
What Perplexity AI actually does
Think of Perplexity AI as a Google alternative that talks to you like ChatGPT. It blends real-time web search with a conversational interface. It’s fast, factual, and focused on giving verified, citation-rich answers. As of mid-2025, it’s already handling over 500 million queries a month and valued at around $14 billion.
What Apple stands to gain
With Perplexity in its lineup, Apple could gain:
- A next-gen search platform that doesn’t rely on Google
- A team of top-tier AI researchers and engineers
- A new way to integrate AI into its services like Safari, Siri, and Spotlight
- Independence from Google Search as their deal nears regulatory pressure
What this means for Siri and Apple Intelligence
Siri’s always been… let’s say, a little underwhelming. But Apple Intelligence is aiming to change that. Still, it lacks the “deep answer” capabilities that tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity offer. With this acquisition, Apple could leapfrog ahead by plugging Perplexity’s conversational search into Siri and other system-level features.
The big “what if” behind Google
Apple makes about $20 billion a year from its deal to make Google the default search engine on Safari. But with U.S. regulators breathing down both companies’ necks, that revenue stream may dry up. Owning its own search engine—not just integrating OpenAI or Google models—would give Apple the power to define the future of search on its own terms.
Will it really happen?
That’s the million-dollar (or rather, multi-billion-dollar) question. So far, these are just internal talks. No offer has been made. Apple could just partner with Perplexity, or even walk away. And with competitors like Meta and Samsung reportedly interested too, Apple will have to move fast if it’s serious.
Wrapping things up
The Apple–Perplexity story isn’t over yet—but it’s already one of the biggest AI headlines of the year. Whether it ends in a full acquisition, a partnership, or just a missed opportunity, one thing is clear: Apple is taking AI very seriously. And if Perplexity becomes part of the Apple family, the way we search, talk to our devices, and interact with AI could change forever.
Stay tuned—this might just be Apple’s boldest bet yet.