Apple(US:AAPL) 美股IPO·2025-07-31 13:32Core Viewpoint - Analysts express concerns over Apple's slow progress in AI innovation, suggesting a $40 billion acquisition of AI search platform Perplexity as a necessary move to catch up with competitors [2][3][4]. Group 1: AI Innovation Challenges - Analysts from Wedbush indicate that Apple's internal development capabilities in AI are insufficient, leading to the conclusion that breakthroughs in this area are unlikely to be achieved internally [3][4]. - The report highlights a growing concern among investors regarding Apple's AI development, especially as the company prepares to release its financial results [2][3]. Group 2: Acquisition Proposal - The suggestion to acquire Perplexity comes as Apple has previously engaged in negotiations regarding the purchase, with an early valuation of the company at approximately $14 billion [3][5]. - If Apple proceeds with the acquisition at the proposed $40 billion price, it would surpass its previous largest acquisition of Beats for $3 billion in 2014, marking it as one of the most expensive AI-related acquisitions in the tech industry [3][5]. - Despite the significant acquisition cost, analysts note that Apple's strong cash reserves make such a transaction theoretically feasible, although the company's management's stance on the proposal remains unclear [5].