In his remarks, Cook emphasized Apple’s willingness to pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that support its AI roadmap. Although Apple is traditionally cautious with large takeovers, Cook made clear that company size is not a constraint, and that the focus is on accelerating innovation.
So far in 2025, Apple has reportedly acquired around seven companies, many of them small startups focused on AI and machine learning.
Why This Matters
Catching Up in AI
Apple has lagged behind competitors like Google, Microsoft, and Meta in the AI space. The company’s generative AI system, Apple Intelligence, has yet to launch broadly and an enhanced version of Siri is delayed until 2026. Acquiring companies with existing talent and technology could help Apple bridge the gap more quickly.
Refocusing Internal Resources
Apple has already begun reallocating internal teams from non-AI products to AI-focused work. Recent reports indicate that Apple is prioritizing:
- AI-powered voice assistance
- On-device generative intelligence
- Search enhancements through partnerships or technology buyouts
Potential Targets
Reports suggest that Apple has held internal talks about acquiring or partnering with leading AI firms such as Perplexity AI, OpenAI, and Anthropic. While no deals have been finalized, these companies represent the kind of high-value targets Apple may consider in its effort to expand rapidly into AI.
What the Analysts Are Saying
Industry observers note that Apple’s new openness to acquisitions reflects pressure from both Wall Street and Silicon Valley, as other tech giants have made major moves:
- Microsoft has invested billions in OpenAI.
- Google has deeply integrated Gemini AI across its services.
- Meta is deploying Llama 3 across its platforms.
Apple’s past reluctance to make large AI deals may have limited its competitiveness, but this new stance could lead to a more aggressive expansion.
What to Expect Next
Cook did not confirm any upcoming acquisition, but he left the door open for larger deals. Apple is also investing heavily in:
- New data center infrastructure to support AI computing
- Integrating AI features across iOS, macOS, and iPadOS
- Preserving privacy as a core differentiator in Apple’s AI offerings
Summary
Apple’s CEO has made it clear: Apple is ready to buy AI companies if it helps the company move faster. This marks a strategic shift that may change how the company develops and deploys its next generation of AI products.
