Overview

• Wedbush analysts conclude that Apple’s in-house AI efforts have lagged behind rivals and failed to produce promised features for Apple Intelligence.
• The firm has labeled acquiring Perplexity AI for about $40 billion a “no-brainer” to fast-track Apple’s AI platform and avoid a strategic setback.
• With more than $48 billion in available cash, Apple could finance a Perplexity purchase entirely with cash and preserve share count.
• Wall Street anticipates that Apple’s Q3 earnings report will show robust performance driven by Chinese revenue growth, steady iPhone demand, and strong services results.
• Successfully integrating and monetizing Perplexity’s technology could add up to $75 per share in value and set the stage for product differentiation ahead of the expected iPhone 17 launch.