Apple Investors Lobbying for Big Acquisition Amid AI Troubles

Core Viewpoint - Apple is under pressure from investors to make a significant acquisition to enhance its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, especially after a substantial decline in its market value this year [2][4]. Group 1: Market Performance - Apple's market value has decreased by over $630 billion in 2023, with its shares dropping 16% this year [2][4]. - Investors are increasingly frustrated with Apple's delays in introducing AI features, leading to a shift in sentiment towards rival companies like Meta, which are investing heavily in AI [4]. Group 2: Acquisition Discussions - Historically, Apple has been reluctant to engage in large mergers and acquisitions, with its last major deal being the $3 billion acquisition of Beats in 2014 [3]. - There are indications that Apple may be reconsidering its stance on acquisitions, as discussions have taken place regarding the purchase of AI startup Perplexity AI, which could help Apple develop an AI-based search engine [5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Analysts suggest that acquiring or investing in a significant AI provider could positively influence investor sentiment towards Apple [3]. - In contrast to competitors like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, which are aggressively deploying large language models and enterprise-scale AI solutions, Apple has been more conservative, focusing on narrowly scoped capabilities [6][7].