Introduction
In the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley, big tech companies often act like high-stakes chess players—each move calculated, strategic, and aimed at long-term dominance. Now, Apple and Meta seem ready to make a bold move by eyeing Perplexity AI, a small but rapidly growing AI search startup.
Why are two giants fighting over a relatively new player? The answer lies in Perplexity’s potential to disrupt Google’s long-held control over online search.
Overview: 5 Reasons Why Perplexity AI Is a Hot Target
Game-Changing AI Search: Offers an LLM-powered alternative to Google’s search monopoly.
Unique Tech Stack: Uses multiple LLMs and its own ‘Sonar’ model to deliver accurate results.
Massive Growth: Gained 15 million users by mid-2024.
Strategic Fit for Apple & Meta: Can plug AI gaps in Apple’s ecosystem and boost Meta’s AI roadmap.
Valued at $14B: Makes Perplexity one of the most valuable startups in its segment.
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Perplexity AI: From Underdog to Disruptor
Founded in 2022 by Indian-origin scientist Aravind Srinivas and a team of AI veterans, Perplexity started with a bold mission—to democratize access to knowledge.
Built as an AI-powered search engine, it stood out by allowing users to choose between multiple LLMs and even offered its proprietary model, Sonar.
By offering transparency, citations, and context-rich responses, Perplexity bridged the gap between search and chatbot.
As of mid-2024, it attracted 15 million users and is now valued at over $14 billion. That’s no small feat for a company just three years old.
Why Apple Is Suddenly Interested in AI Search
Apple, once an early AI pioneer with Siri, now finds itself lagging. Its recent WWDC conference disappointed critics with its lackluster AI updates.
The delayed Siri overhaul and underwhelming Apple Intelligence rollout revealed a deeper problem—Apple’s AI strategy isn’t moving fast enough.
Acquiring Perplexity could give Apple a much-needed head start. Unlike its rivals, Apple prefers tight integration and privacy-first tech.
Perplexity fits that model. Its AI features could boost iOS’s default search and even power a smarter, LLM-based Siri—without compromising user data.
In 2025, Apple also partnered with OpenAI, showing it is finally ready to collaborate. Buying Perplexity would be a strong step toward building a hybrid AI ecosystem—one that combines Apple’s hardware with world-class software.
techovedas.com/wwdc-2025-what-10-big-surprises-is-apple-ready-to-unveil-this-june
Meta’s Aggressive AI Push
On the other side, Meta has been on a spending spree—investing $14.3 billion in Scale AI and expanding its Llama LLMs. Buying Perplexity would strengthen Meta’s AI-powered products like Meta AI and search inside its platforms.
More importantly, Perplexity’s research team and technology could give Meta the kind of innovation boost it needs to compete with OpenAI and Google’s Gemini.
If integrated well, Perplexity could supercharge Meta’s messaging apps, smart assistants, and even AR/VR interfaces with real-time intelligent search.
What’s at Stake for Google?
Perplexity’s rise comes as users grow frustrated with Google’s cluttered search results. With more people turning to TikTok, Reddit, or even AI chatbots for real answers, Google is under pressure.
Its new “AI Overviews” feature tries to fight back, but critics say it’s too little, too late.
Unlike past challengers like Neeva (which shut down in 2023), Perplexity is gaining real traction—and more importantly, big-money interest from Apple and Meta.
Key Differences in Strategy
| Feature | Apple | Meta | Perplexity AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Focus | Privacy, device-focused | Platform-wide integration | Search & knowledge delivery |
| LLM Model | Partnered with OpenAI | Llama 3, in-house models | Uses multiple + own (Sonar) |
| Target Audience | iPhone/Mac users | Social + Metaverse users | General internet users |
| Valuation (2025) | $3 Trillion+ | $1.1 Trillion+ | $14 Billion |
| User Base (2024/25) | 2B devices globally | 3.5B+ across platforms | 15M+ users |
Conclusion
If Perplexity ends up joining Apple or Meta, it could dramatically alter the AI landscape. For Apple, it’s about catching up and delivering smart, privacy-respecting AI.
For Meta, it’s about staying ahead with cutting-edge tools. Either way, this small startup holds big value in the war for AI supremacy.
As the battle for the next generation of search intensifies, Perplexity might just be the secret weapon that tips the balance.
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