In the race to dominate the AI landscape, major tech companies are scouting promising startups—and Perplexity AI is rapidly emerging as a name to watch. Founded in mid-2022, this relatively young startup has become a focal point for industry giants, including Meta and reportedly Apple, both of which are exploring acquisitions to strengthen their AI capabilities.
Perplexity AI: What Makes It Stand Out?
Perplexity offers a powerful AI-driven search platform that delivers concise, well-sourced answers using real-time web data. It combines AI models with a traditional search engine interface, allowing users to retrieve summarized responses and access linked sources for further detail. With a free tier offering basic search functions and a $20/month Pro version that unlocks advanced tools—such as deeper research, image generation, and multi-model support—Perplexity aims to revolutionize how people search online.
The platform is also expanding its capabilities with a developing browser called Comet, positioning itself as a direct competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard.
However, Perplexity’s rise hasn’t been without controversy. The startup has faced legal challenges over unauthorized content use, with media organizations such as the BBC and Dow Jones alleging it replicated their material without consent. These disputes highlight a broader challenge in the AI world: the ethical use of training data and content sources.
Why Apple and Meta Are Interested
The potential acquisition of Perplexity aligns with Apple and Meta’s strategies to enhance their AI ecosystems. Apple is currently working to integrate AI more deeply into its products, including the iPhone and Safari. Reports indicate Apple is developing an AI-enhanced version of its Safari browser, and acquiring a search-focused platform like Perplexity could offer the technology it needs to reduce dependence on Google, especially as its agreement with the search giant faces antitrust scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Meta, already active in the AI space with tools like its Llama models and Ray-Ban smart glasses, sees AI as essential to its long-term growth. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly making aggressive moves to attract top talent, including offering massive compensation packages of up to $100 million to AI engineers. The acquisition of Scale AI and the hiring of its founder are additional signs of Meta’s commitment to building out its AI infrastructure.
Despite some wins, Meta’s recent AI initiatives have hit snags, including the delay of its next major Llama release and privacy concerns around its standalone AI app. A collaboration with or acquisition of Perplexity could help Meta fill critical gaps and better compete with Google and OpenAI.
AI: The Next Big Tech Frontier
As artificial intelligence reshapes how people interact with technology, companies like Meta and Apple are racing to lead this transformation. Experts predict that AI could have an impact comparable to the advent of the internet or the smartphone. For Apple and Meta, staying relevant in this rapidly evolving space isn’t just about innovation—it’s about survival.
Whether or not an acquisition deal goes through, the attention Perplexity is receiving underscores its growing influence in the AI world and its potential to shape the future of digital search and productivity.