Apple Mulls Buying AI Search Company Perplexity, and It Could Be Apple's Biggest Acquisition Ever

(Credit: Perplexity)

Apple executives have been discussing the probable acquisition of Perplexity, a fast-growing AI startup valued at $14 billion, as reported by Bloomberg. These talks are said to be in the early stages, and there has not yet been any direct contact between Apple and Perplexity’s management regarding an offer. Perplexity has responded to the media by saying it has no knowledge about any of it. Apple has not commented on the matter.

Apple is interested in adding new AI-powered search tools to its products, and could include features in its Safari browser. This could also mean a change from its long-standing partnership with Google, which pays Apple billions each year to remain the default search engine on Apple devices.

Google has also introduced an AI mode similar to Perplexity's, so it will be interesting to see how it all pans out. As reported by Reuters, the U.S. Department of Justice has proposed banning Google from paying companies to make it their default search engine, which could affect Apple’s current arrangement.

Perplexity has seen rising adoption, especially among younger users, and it recently completed a funding round that put its valuation at $14 billion. If Apple were to acquire Perplexity at this price, it would be the company’s largest acquisition to date. So far, Apple's $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014 is the largest.

Meta Platforms, Facebook's parent company, also tried to buy Perplexity earlier this year but did not reach an agreement.

Devesh Beri | Mon, June 23, 2025 at 10:03 AM EDT