Apple (AAPL.US) is discussing the acquisition of the AI newcomer Perplexity to address antitrust scrutiny and lagging competition.

According to the Economic Daily app, Apple (AAPL.US) executives have had internal discussions about a possible acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI, in an effort to address the need for more AI talent and technology. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Apple's head of mergers and acquisitions, Adrian Perica, has discussed this idea with the head of services department, Eddy Cue, and top AI decision makers. These individuals have stated that the discussions are still in the early stages and a formal acquisition proposal may not ultimately be made.