Mariella Moon of Engadget reports that Apple is considering acquiring Perplexity AI to boost its AI talent and potentially build an AI-powered search engine. Internal talks are in early stages, and Apple has not made a formal bid. Alternatives like a partnership are also being discussed, with possible Siri integration, according to Bloomberg. The move could help Apple reduce reliance on Google Search and advance its AI capabilities amid growing competition. Moon writes:
Apple’s executives are thinking of acquiring Perplexity AI both to get more talent and to be able to offer an AI-based search engine in the future, according to Bloomberg. Adrian Perica, Apple’s head of mergers and acquisitions, has reportedly already talked about the idea with services SVP Eddy Cue and the company’s top decision-makers with it comes to its AI efforts. It’s early stages, however: Apple has yet to talk to Perplexity about a bid, and the internal talks may not even lead to a formal offer. […]
In May, Cue revealed that Apple discussed a possible Safari-integration with Perplexity while on the stand for Google’s ongoing Search antitrust case. Cue took the stand due to Apple’s long-standing deal with Google to make its search engine the default on the iPhone. (In turn, Apple gets billions of dollars a year — $18 billion in 2021 — from the arrangement.) Cue didn’t share any definitive plans, however, including the possibility of an acquisition. […]
Apple, like Meta, has been scouting for new AI talent. Bloomberg says it’s even competing against the Facebook owner to hire Daniel Gross, the founder of AI company Safe Superintelligence Inc. The company does seem to need help to be able to release the AI features it wants to provide its users. A few months ago, for instance, Apple delayed the rollout of a more powerful Siri that was a key component of its original pitch for Apple Intelligence.
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