Apple has told banks that it will continue its strategy of focusing on small transactions in the AI field, and there are also positive opinions within the company about acquiring Perplexity and Mistral AI.
The news site The Information reported that Apple has told bankers that it will continue its strategy of focusing on smaller AI transactions. It has been pointed out that this is inconsistent with CEO Tim Cook's announcement in the company's third-quarter 2025 (April-June) earnings call that Apple will 'significantly increase its investment in AI.'
Apple's Aversion to Big Deals Could Thwart Its AI Push — The Information
Apple still debating Mistral and Perplexity M&A amid looming Google Search shakeup - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/26/apple-perplexity-mistral-ai/
Report: Apple Discussed Buying Mistral AI and Perplexity - MacRumors
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/26/apple-discussed-buying-mistral-ai-and-perplexity/
In its third-quarter 2025 financial results, Apple reported a 10% year-over-year increase in sales and its total iPhone shipments reached 3 billion units.
CEO Tim Cook says Apple plans to 'significantly' expand its AI investments, forecasting third-quarter 2025 revenue of over 14 trillion yen, up 10% year-on-year - GIGAZINE
Cook described AI as 'one of the most profound technologies of our lifetimes,' and said the company plans to increase investment in AI more than ever before. He also said, 'We're open to M&A opportunities that will accelerate our roadmap.'
However, according to The Information, Apple has told bankers that it will focus on 'smaller transactions' in the AI field.
It's clear that Apple isn't united in its AI strategy, with Craig Federighi, head of software, and others believing that 'Apple can develop its own AI' and being reluctant to acquire AI companies. Meanwhile, Eddy Cue, vice president of services, is a vocal supporter of AI acquisitions.
Cue revealed that in May 2025, he had held discussions to integrate Perplexity AI into Safari, and in June 2025, he held discussions with Adrian Perica, head of M&A, and others about acquiring Perplexity.
In addition to Perplexity, Mistral AI, a French AI company that develops the chatbot 'Le Chat' and the open voice recognition model 'Voxtral,' has also been named as a potential acquisition target.
By the way, Cue is also an active advocate of acquiring companies outside of the AI field, and in the past he has expressed his desire to acquire Netflix and Tesla, but both proposals were rejected by CEO Tim Cook.
in Note, Posted by logc_nt