Apple & Meta Eye Perplexity AI to Supercharge Search Innovation!

In a bold move that could reshape the future of AI-powered search, Apple and Meta are both reportedly exploring the acquisition of Perplexity AI—a fast-growing startup known for its conversational and real-time search engine capabilities. The development highlights how Big Tech is racing to integrate more intelligent, human-like AI search models into their platforms.

Perplexity AI has quickly gained attention as a next-gen search engine built on natural language processing (NLP) and real-time data aggregation, delivering conversational answers instead of static web links. For Apple, this acquisition could enhance its “Apple Intelligence” ecosystem, especially as it revamps Siri into a smarter, more proactive assistant. For Meta, adding Perplexity’s technology could elevate AI within its family of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

The AI arms race is intensifying as companies like Google, Microsoft (via OpenAI), and Amazon build foundational models and AI-integrated platforms. Acquiring a rising star like Perplexity would give Apple or Meta an edge in creating search products with more intuitive, context-aware responses.

Beyond capabilities, the acquisition interest reflects a strategic shift: control over AI search is becoming as valuable as control over mobile ecosystems or cloud infrastructure. With conversational AI now central to both user engagement and monetisation strategies, platforms are moving fast to either build or buy these tools.

As of now, no deal has been confirmed, but industry insiders suggest talks are ongoing. If successful, the acquisition could reshape user expectations around search interfaces, accuracy, and personalisation.