币界网报道:Apple is reportedly in early talks to acquire AI search startup Perplexity AI, potentially signaling a strategic shift away from its long-standing partnership with Google. The $1 billion-valued startup, which offers an AI-powered alternative to traditional search engines, has caught Apple's attention as the tech giant explores ways to enhance its own AI capabilities. While discussions remain preliminary, the potential acquisition could help Apple reduce its reliance on Google's search technology, which currently powers Siri and Spotlight searches on Apple devices. Perplexity AI, founded by former OpenAI and Google employees, has gained traction with its conversational search interface that provides direct answers with cited sources. The move comes as Apple intensifies its AI efforts, recently unveiling Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024, and could position the company to better compete in the evolving AI-powered search landscape.