fazTimes media: It is said that Apple Inc. is thinking about buying the artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI. If they do, it could be one of the riskiest and most expensive moves in the company's history. Bloomberg reports that Apple employees are currently talking about this idea, even though there isn't a formal plan yet. This shows that the tech giant feels increasingly compelled to improve its artificial intelligence (AI) skills as soon as possible. This isn't just another deal from Silicon Valley. If Apple buys Perplexity, it could spend more than $14 billion, which is about 1.21 lakh crore. This is more than Apple paid for Beats Electronics in 2014, which was a record $3 billion deal. But the time and stakes of this possible acquisition make it really important.

Why Apple Needs Chaos—And Why Now

Apple has been playing catch-up in the AI field over the past few years. Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have made big public steps forward in generative AI by releasing smart chatbots, developer tools, and business solutions. Apple, on the other hand, has kept most of its AI work secret. Even Apple's digital helper Siri, which was once thought to be cutting edge, seems old-fashioned now that AI-powered bots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are available.

However, Perplexity AI has been getting more popular because it combines search and conversation-based AI in a way that no one else does. Its platform combines the best of web search with the intelligence of a chatbot, so users can get real-time, cited answers to their questions. It's a powerful tool in a world where too much information is a daily problem.

If Apple does buy Perplexity, the company could:

Make Siri a much more conversational and aware helper of its surroundings.
Build its AI-powered search engine, which could make it less reliant on Google.
Make AI features better on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Make its place stronger in the growing market for business AI

It's not just about making the iPhone or iPad better. Apple is getting ready for a world where AI is at the heart of everything we do online.

Why the move had to be made right away

For Apple, the need for speed isn't just technical; it's also financial and political. At the moment, Apple makes about $20 billion (₹1.7 lakh crore) a year from a deal that makes Google the preferred search engine on Safari. But officials in the U.S. and Europe are looking more closely at that deal because they think it hurts competition.

If that deal is thrown out, Apple would lose a huge source of income right away, unless it has a plan B. Here comes Perplexity.

Apple might feel safer if it owns an AI-based search engine. On top of that, it might finally let the company give its millions of users a more private, safe, and Apple-branded search experience. That's exactly what Apple has always said about user privacy and controlling the environment.

What does Perplexity AI do?

Perplexity AI was started in 2022 and has grown quickly in both value and impact. Its main product, an AI-powered search assistant, is a great option compared to regular search engines. Google gives you a list of links, but Perplexity gives you short, well-referenced replies by combining chatbots with real-time web knowledge.

Already, students, researchers, and professionals who need quick, reliable information without having to click on dozens of links like the site. And in a time of fake news, Perplexity's approach, built on citations, stands out.

Top venture firms and tech experts are paying attention to the company because it just raised money at a value of $14 billion. It has a small but quickly growing team that is known for being flexible, creative, and technically excellent. This is exactly the kind of DNA Apple might need to give its AI goals a new lease of life.

A Change from the Past?

For a long time, Apple has avoided making big purchases. It has been cautious in its acquisitions, focusing more on small, promising startups than on big, expensive deals. Even its 2014 $3 billion purchase of Beats made people look twice.

So why would Apple think about acting badly now?

Some people in the business world say that the AI shift has changed the rules. Because things are changing so quickly and there is a lot at stake, Apple may feel like it needs to move quickly or risk falling behind forever.

Rishi Nair, a tech analyst from Bengaluru, says, "It's not about building everything in-house anymore." As for Apple, it knows it needs to spend money on speed and skill to stay important in AI. Apple has the money to make it happen, with over $166 billion (₹14.4 lakh crore) in cash on hand.

What this means for Indian users is called "local angle."

That being said, why should Indian readers care that the US bought a tech company?

Apple has a strong presence in India and is still growing there. Apple is expanding its stores in Mumbai and Delhi and pushing for "Make in India." This means that Indian customers and developers are becoming more important to the company's plan. If this deal goes through, it could mean

Siri is smarter in Indian languages and accents, which makes it easier for people to use.
More AI features in cheap Apple products, especially iPhones made in the U.S.
Better AI tools for Indian app makers, which means better experiences for users
Better search and privacy, which is great for users in India who care about their info.

As India grows as a global hub for tech talent, a deal between Apple and Perplexity could bring new jobs and research opportunities to the country.

What might stop the deal?

At this point, there has been no formal contact with Perplexity AI. Reports say that the idea is still just being talked about among employees.

A few things could make things more difficult:

Value worries—even for Apple, $14 billion is a lot of money.
Mismatch in cultures: Perplexity's quick, startup-style creativity might not work with Apple's very controlled processes.
Barriers from the government— Large tech deals are now closely watched in both the US and the EU.

Of course, Perplexity could decide to stay on its own, especially since other big tech companies are interested in it.

Last Thoughts

Apple is serious about AI and ready to make big moves, even if the deal doesn't go through. It's not enough to just keep up with the others. As we move toward a world where AI powers not only apps and devices but also all digital experiences, from how we search, talk, and shop to how we learn, work, and make things.

This change is important for Indian readers. It means better tools and goods, and India will play a bigger part in the global tech story.

fazTimes media will continue to keep a close eye on things and bring you the important news.

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