In the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence, one small startup is suddenly commanding the attention of two tech giants: Apple and Meta. That startup is Perplexity AI a conversational, AI-powered search engine that may represent the future of how humans interact with information.
As per recent reports, both Apple and Meta have shown informal interest in acquiring the company. While there’s no official deal yet, the mere possibility speaks volumes. At stake is not just a promising startup, but the future of generative search itself.
So, what exactly is Perplexity AI, and why are two of the world’s most powerful tech companies so interested in it?
What is Perplexity AI?
Launched by Arvind Srinivas In 2022, Perplexity AI is a new type of search engine run by a large language model (LLMS) such as AI GPT-4, Cloud and others. Instead of giving users a list of links, it provides a direct answer – with quote, summary and relevant insigh in real time.
The interface sounds like chatting with AI accessories compared to googling. You ask a question, and confusion gives you a clean, short response supported by many sources. You can also ask follow -up in a conversation.
This approach is quickly caught: The platform now claims more than 15 million monthly users, and it receives traction between students, researchers, developers and AI-girlfriends.
Why Apple Is Interested:
Apple currently relies on Google as the default search engine on Safari—a deal reportedly worth $20 billion per year. But this long standing arrangement may not last forever. With growing regulatory scrutiny over monopolistic behavior and increasing consumer concerns around privacy, Apple is under pressure to find alternatives.
A Perplexity acquisition would allow Apple to:
Integrate a privacy-first, on-device search experience into Safari, Siri, and other native apps.
Reduce its dependence on Google:
Lead the next wave of generative AI search where answers come in context, not just links
Apple recently unveiled its Apple Intelligence suite at WWDC 2025, making it clear that generative AI is now core to its strategy. A search engine like Perplexity would be the perfect companion.
Why Meta Is Eyeing Perplexity Too:
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has made major investments in AI, from the Llama 3 model to Meta AI chatbots. Acquiring a generative search engine like Perplexity would fit seamlessly into Meta’s growing portfolio of AI-powered experiences.
Meta’s goals likely include:
- Embedding smart search and assistant tools in Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
- Enhancing its AR/VR environments with context-aware search.
- Competing with Google and Microsoft in AI discovery and productivity tools.
While talks with Meta reportedly didn’t move forward, their interest clearly signals a push toward owning more layers of the AI stack.
Why Perplexity AI Is Suddenly So Valuable
Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity focuses on giving direct, useful, and source-backed answers. It’s fast, accurate, and transparent—something users often complain is lacking in Google’s “AI Overviews.”
Key features that make it stand out:
- Citations for every fact
- Multiple LLM support for better accuracy
- Clean UX with follow-up support.
- Rapidly growing user base with minimum overhead
The inner sources of the industry estimate that the evaluation is between $ 1 billion and $ 1.5 billion, a price that Apple or Meta can easily justify remaining competitive.
What does it mean for the future of search
Search as we know it, typing a phrase, sifting through links—is quickly being replaced by AI-native, answer-first platforms. Instead of searching the web, people want summarized, verified information in seconds.
- A Perplexity acquisition could:
- Help Apple take a bold step beyond Google
- Give Meta a smarter, AI-first discovery layer
Set off a wave of AI startup M&A activity, especially in India and Southeast Asia
For Indian AI startups, this is a wake-up call: solving a clear problem with user-first design and real-time intelligence is still the best way to get global attention.
Insight Tech Talk Verdict
Whether a deal happens or not, the interest from Apple and Meta shows just how fast the world of search is evolving. It’s no longer just about access to information—it’s about how seamlessly that information is delivered, contextualized, and trusted.
As generative AI becomes central to everything from smartphones to social networks, startups like Perplexity will be the ones shaping the digital future.
