Apple executives have held internal discussions about potentially bidding for artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI, seeking to address the need for more AI talent and technology.

Apple executives have held internal discussions about potentially bidding for artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI, seeking to address the need for more AI talent and technology.

Apple Inc. is reportedly exploring the potential acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI as part of its strategy to bolster its AI talent and technology resources. According to insiders, Adrian Perica, Apple's head of mergers and acquisitions, along with Eddy Cue, head of services, and other key AI decision-makers within the company, have been discussing this possibility [1].

The discussions are still in the early stages and may not lead to a formal acquisition offer. However, if a deal were to materialize, Apple could potentially develop its own AI search engine, which would be crucial if its longstanding partnership with Google were to dissolve. Currently, Google is the default browser provider for Apple devices, a partnership that brings Apple approximately $20 billion annually. However, this relationship is under scrutiny by U.S. antitrust regulators [1].

As of now, Apple executives have not engaged in acquisition talks with Perplexity AI's management. In a statement, Perplexity AI mentioned that they are unaware of any ongoing or future merger discussions involving the company, while Apple declined to comment on the matter [1].

Separately, Alibaba has released a new family of open-source Qwen3 AI models designed to work with Apple’s MLX machine learning framework. This move could pave the way for Apple Intelligence to launch in mainland China. The Qwen3 models have been optimized for Apple’s MLX framework, allowing them to run efficiently across a range of Apple devices—from iPhones and iPads to high-performance Macs. These models are now available on Hugging Face and Alibaba’s own ModelScope platform, potentially giving Chinese developers a homegrown option for building apps and services that take advantage of Apple’s AI infrastructure [2].

Furthermore, the Qwen3 rollout appears tied to regulatory realities in China. Apple’s global AI strategy hinges on OpenAI’s GPT models, but Chinese regulations require foreign tech to partner with local firms for AI services. A February report from the South China Morning Post claimed Apple had struck a deal to use Qwen models for Apple Intelligence inside China [2].

In the meantime, Apple is also considering integrating Perplexity AI as a search option in its Safari browser if the acquisition does not materialize. Reports suggest that Apple is in talks to acquire Perplexity AI to enhance its search engine capabilities [3].

The potential acquisition of Perplexity AI underscores Apple's growing focus on AI and its strategic efforts to diversify its technology portfolio. However, the success of such a deal will depend on various factors, including regulatory approvals and the company's ability to integrate Perplexity AI's technology seamlessly into its existing systems.

References:
[1] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2938073/apple-considers-acquiring-ai-startup-perplexity-ai-amidst-growing-ai-needs
[2] https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/apple-intelligence-could-be-coming-soon-to-china-has-alibaba-releases-new-alibaba-s-qwen3-ai-models-article-13130231.html
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-21-jun-2025/liveblog/121981222.cms?from=mdr