Apple’s Big AI Gamble: Internal Rift Over Perplexity and Mistral AI Acquisitions

Apple is weighing a broader AI push alongside talks of a Perplexity AI acquisition and a potential Mistral AI purchase, a trajectory outlined in a fresh analysis that highlights an internal division over large deals.

The Information reports that Apple’s strategy includes continuing small to medium–scale AI acquisitions while Tim Cook remains receptive to deals that accelerate its roadmap, though internal disagreement persists between Eddy Cue, who has been the most enthusiastic advocate for larger acquisitions, and Craig Federighi, who remains sceptical and believes Apple’s own teams can close its AI gaps.

The report also notes Apple’s disciplined approach to not overpay for firms or teams, which, while reducing risk, may slow the securing of highly sought-after targets.

This debate comes as Google faces an antitrust trial over its search dominance, with regulators seeking to curtail partner payments that currently total around $20 billion annually to keep Google Search as Safari’s default engine; if those agreements are halted, Apple could face a substantial financial setback, potentially prompting a sharper strategic pivot. According to The Information, uncertainty persists over whether Apple will proceed with Perplexity AI or Mistral AI or double down on in‑house AI development.