Group 1 - Wedbush analysts report that Apple is struggling to achieve breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) through internal development and suggest a $40 billion acquisition of AI search platform Perplexity to catch up with competitors [1][2] - Analysts express clear doubts about Apple's internal AI development capabilities, indicating that the company must seek external solutions as concerns about its slow AI progress grow among investors [1][2] - If Apple proceeds with the $40 billion acquisition of Perplexity, it would surpass its largest acquisition to date, the $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014, making it one of the most expensive AI-related acquisitions in the tech industry [1][2] Group 2 - Analysts believe that while Apple could enhance services at a lower cost through internal teams, it is unlikely to succeed in AI innovation without external support [2] - Previous reports indicated that Apple had engaged in negotiations to acquire Perplexity when its valuation was around $14 billion, suggesting a significant increase in valuation if the acquisition occurs at the proposed price [2] - The proposed $40 billion acquisition price raises market skepticism, given Apple's historically cautious approach to large acquisitions, although the company has substantial cash reserves to support such a deal [2]