Apple executives hold internal talks on the acquisition of AI startup Perplexity.

Gate News bot reports that, according to Bloomberg, Apple executives have held internal discussions about acquiring the artificial intelligence (AI) startup Perplexity AI in order to meet the demand for more AI talent and technology.

According to informed sources, the company’s mergers and acquisitions chief Adrian Perica has discussed this idea with service chief Eddy Cue and senior AI decision-makers. As this matter has not been made public, these unnamed sources indicated that the discussions are still in the early stages and may not ultimately result in a takeover offer.

Such a deal will help Apple develop an AI-based search engine, which is one of Apple’s measures to address the potential expiration of its long-term partnership with Google. This partnership involves setting Google as the default browser on devices, generating approximately $20 billion in annual revenue for Apple, and now, it is facing threats from U.S. antitrust enforcement agencies.

So far, Apple executives have not discussed acquisition matters with Perplexity’s management. Bloomberg News reported earlier on Friday that Meta Platforms Inc. attempted to acquire Perplexity earlier this year. The AI startup stated in a statement: “We are currently not aware of any merger or acquisition discussions involving Perplexity, either now or in the future.”