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3h ago

Apple Weighs AI Buys of Mistral and Perplexity as Leadership Divides Over Strategy

Apple has not made an offer, signaling a preference for smaller AI deals despite pressure over its Google search gap.

Apple AI Strategy Perplexity Acquisition
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Apple AI acquisition strategy
Apple may turn to Mistral & Perplexity if Google deal collapses

Overview

  • The Information reports Apple held internal discussions about acquiring Mistral AI and Perplexity, though no formal bids have surfaced and the companies declined to comment.
  • Services chief Eddy Cue is described as pushing for large AI acquisitions, while software chief Craig Federighi is said to favor building capabilities in-house.
  • Apple has told bankers it intends to keep focusing on smaller AI transactions even after Tim Cook said the company is open to M&A that accelerates its roadmap.
  • A pending court ruling on Google’s default-search payments to Apple could increase pressure to secure an AI-powered search option such as Perplexity.
  • Perplexity, backed by Nvidia and Jeff Bezos, and Paris-based Mistral, valued above $6 billion and reportedly seeking $10 billion, are viewed as potential boosts to search and model development.