Potential Acquisition of Perplexity AI by Apple: A Strategic Move Towards AI-Powered Search
Potential Acquisition of Perplexity AI by Apple: A Strategic Move Towards AI-Powered Search
Recent reports suggest that Apple's executives are contemplating the acquisition of Perplexity AI, a move aimed at bolstering its AI capabilities and potentially offering an AI-driven search engine in the future. Adrian Perica, Apple's head of mergers and acquisitions, has allegedly discussed this prospect with services SVP Eddy Cue and other top decision-makers within the company regarding their AI endeavors.
Although no formal talks with Perplexity have taken place, internal discussions are underway, and a formal offer may not materialize from these discussions. An alternative strategy being considered is a collaboration with Perplexity, rather than a full acquisition, to integrate Perplexity's technology into Siri and develop an AI-powered search engine.
In May, Eddy Cue disclosed that Apple had discussed a potential Safari integration with Perplexity during Google's ongoing Search antitrust case. Cue's testimony was prompted by Apple's long-standing partnership with Google, which makes Google the default search engine on the iPhone. In return, Apple receives billions of dollars annually from this arrangement. However, Cue did not reveal any definitive plans, including the possibility of an acquisition.
Should regulators mandate the termination of Apple's partnership with Google, the acquisition of Perplexity would facilitate the development of an AI-driven search engine. Moreover, it would enable Apple to secure the talent necessary to compete in the AI sector, a pursuit shared by tech giants such as Meta. Reports indicate that Apple is even competing with Meta to hire Daniel Gross, the founder of AI company Safe Superintelligence Inc.
Source [1]: Engadget
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