Is This What Apple Stock Needs to Turn Things Around?

Core Viewpoint - Apple is facing challenges with its stock down 15% year-to-date, primarily due to concerns over its growth potential and delayed AI feature rollouts for iPhones [1][9] Group 1: Acquisition Potential - Apple is reportedly considering acquiring Perplexity AI, a chatbot company that has gained popularity with around 15 million active monthly users [4] - The estimated valuation of Perplexity AI is around $14 billion, which Apple can afford given its cash reserves of over $28 billion as of March [5] - An acquisition could enhance Apple's AI capabilities and reduce dependence on external chatbots, positioning the company for future growth opportunities [6] Group 2: Challenges and Concerns - Despite the potential benefits, Apple's conservative management approach prioritizes security and privacy, which may hinder rapid AI development [7] - The core issue remains the integration of advanced AI features into iPhones, with delays pushing some features to next year, potentially affecting iPhone sales, which have been flat at around $116 billion over the past six months [8] - While a significant acquisition could improve growth prospects, it may not be a quick solution to Apple's current challenges, and the stock is considered not cheap enough at 31 times trailing earnings [9][10]