Tech Giants Eye Perplexity for AI Advancements

Perplexity, an AI search engine startup, has attracted interest from tech giants Meta and Apple for potential acquisition. The platform offers unique search capabilities and features, but faces competition from established players like OpenAI. Legal controversies regarding content use add another layer of complexity to its market position.

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The AI Maker

7/27/20262 min read

Meta and Apple consider acquiring Perplexity, an AI search engine startup

In the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence, a nearly three-year-old startup named Perplexity has caught the attention of tech giants like Meta (https://www.meta.com) and Apple (https://www.apple.com) . Reports indicate that both companies have had discussions regarding a potential acquisition of this AI search engine, although no deals have been finalized yet.

Founded in August 2022, Perplexity launched its search engine in December of the same year, offering users a unique way to interact with AI models while searching the web. The platform provides two search modes: quick search for general queries and pro search for more detailed responses. The free version allows users to engage in three pro searches each day, while a paid tier at $20 per month unlocks additional features like unlimited file uploads and image generation.

Perplexity's functionality goes beyond basic search queries. Users can ask questions about files, create travel itineraries, make playlists, and even browse curated pages tailored to their interests. However, many of these advanced features are only available in the paid tier, which limits free users' access.

While Perplexity has gained a following, it faces stiff competition from established players like OpenAI (https://www.openai.com) , whose ChatGPT was the most downloaded chatbot app in the third quarter of 2024. ChatGPT accounted for a staggering 45% of AI chatbot app downloads during that period, leaving Perplexity in the “others” category.

Adding to its challenges, Perplexity has been embroiled in legal controversies over content use. The BBC (https://www.bbc.com) , along with Dow Jones and other news organizations, has accused Perplexity of using their content without permission, raising significant questions about how AI tools utilize existing media.

So why are tech giants like Apple and Meta interested in acquiring Perplexity? Both companies are striving to enhance their AI capabilities in products critical to their ecosystems. Apple is working on integrating AI into the iPhone and refining tools like Siri, while Meta aims to bolster its applications such as Instagram and WhatsApp.

As Apple navigates its relationship with Google, which currently serves as the default search engine for Safari, acquiring a tool like Perplexity could provide a valuable alternative. Meanwhile, Meta is on a talent recruitment spree, reportedly offering lucrative pay packages to attract AI experts, underscoring its commitment to AI innovation.

As AI continues to evolve, the competition among these tech giants will likely intensify. The future of AI could reshape how we work, communicate, and access information, making it crucial for companies like Apple and Meta to stay relevant in this rapidly changing landscape.

Cited: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/24/tech/perplexity-ai-search-engine-meta-apple

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