Apple’s AI Strategy Takes a Bold Turn: Cook Open to Big Acquisitions

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, has confirmed a significant change in the company’s approach to artificial intelligence, signaling that the iPhone maker is prepared to make major investments and acquisitions to catch up with rivals. This new direction is a notable departure from Apple’s traditional fiscal prudence and a clear response to the massive spending by competitors like Microsoft and Google. The company is now actively exploring all options, including potentially buying a larger player in the AI sector.
This strategic pivot is fueled by the intense competition in the AI space. While Microsoft and Google have garnered hundreds of millions of users for their AI tools, Apple’s own AI development, particularly with Siri, has lagged. The company’s decision to delay its Siri improvements highlights the challenges of an in-house-only approach. By opening the door to larger acquisitions, Apple is acknowledging the need for a faster path to innovation and market leadership.
Cook reiterated that M&A remains a key part of Apple’s strategy, but with a new willingness to consider bigger deals. He noted that the company has already acquired seven smaller firms this year, but emphasized that size is not a limiting factor. The core question, he said, is whether an acquisition can “accelerate our roadmap.” This mindset suggests a willingness to break from the company’s past precedent, which saw its largest deal ever top out at $3 billion.
In addition to potential acquisitions, Apple is also committing to building its own infrastructure. The company’s CFO, Kevan Parekh, stated that data center spending would “grow substantially” to support its AI efforts. This investment in physical assets is a direct move to gain more control over its AI technology, which is currently being handled with a mix of in-house chips and external data center providers. The new spending plan signifies a long-term commitment to building a robust, in-house AI ecosystem.