San Francisco: In a surprising development that underscores the growing importance of AI-powered search, both Apple and Meta have reportedly shown strong interest in acquiring Perplexity AI — the fast-growing startup that’s redefining how users interact with information online.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple has held internal discussions about the possibility of acquiring Perplexity as part of its broader strategy to reduce its reliance on Google Search. The Cupertino-based tech giant, which recently unveiled its “Apple Intelligence” suite, is actively looking to integrate smarter AI search experiences across its ecosystem. If finalized, the deal could mark a major shift in how Apple delivers search results within Safari and Siri.

Apple and Meta Eye Perplexity AI in Bid to Strengthen Generative Search Capabilities
Apple and Meta Eye Perplexity AI in Bid to Strengthen Generative Search Capabilities 2

On the other hand, Meta has also been exploring a potential acquisition of Perplexity as part of its aggressive expansion into artificial intelligence. The company, led by Mark Zuckerberg, has been ramping up efforts to challenge OpenAI and Google by investing in talent and technology. Reports suggest that Meta had preliminary talks with Perplexity’s leadership earlier this year, though no formal offer was made.

Perplexity AI, founded in 2022, has quickly become one of the most talked-about startups in the AI space. With its conversational, citation-backed search model, the platform processed over 780 million queries in May alone and is now valued at over $1 billion after its latest funding round. The startup’s user-friendly interface and focus on transparency have made it a strong competitor to traditional search engines.

While neither Apple nor Meta has made a formal offer, the interest from two of the world’s most influential tech companies signals the strategic value Perplexity now holds in the generative AI race. For Apple, a deal would offer a path toward search independence, while for Meta, it would provide a new AI-driven product to fuel its ecosystem of apps and services.

Industry insiders believe that the next few weeks could be crucial, as both companies weigh valuations, integration strategies, and regulatory considerations. Perplexity, meanwhile, appears to be keeping its options open — signaling that it may continue building independently if the right offer doesn’t emerge.

About Perplexity AI:

Based in San Francisco, Perplexity AI is an AI-powered search engine that combines conversational queries with real-time web data, offering users a more interactive and trustworthy way to find information. The company is led by CEO Aravind Srinivas and has received backing from notable investors, including Jeff Bezos and Nvidia.