Perplexity searches Chrome; Musk clashes with Apple

The Friday File: Mobile World Live brings you our top three picks of the week as Perplexity made a $34.5 billion move on Chrome, Apple traded blows with Elon Musk over its App Store and US President Donald Trump cleared up issues with Intel’s CEO.

Perplexity makes $34.5B Chrome bid

What happened: Perplexity AI reportedly made a surprise $34.5 billion cash offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, in a move that could serve as both a competitive play and a potential antitrust remedy.

Why it matters: The Wall Street Journal reported the bid significantly undervalues Chrome, with estimates ranging from $20 billion to $50 billion, but still represents nearly double of Perplexity’s own $18 billion valuation. The AI company apparently stated it has secured backing from major venture capital investors to fund the deal. Although Perplexity operates an AI-powered browser dubbed Comet, a Chrome purchase could pave a strategic path to challenging Google and rivals including OpenAI. The move comes amid mounting regulatory pressure on the search giant; in 2024, the US Department of Justice urged the company to divest its browser following a court ruling that found Google held a monopoly in the search market. While the search giant plans to appeal, Perplexity reportedly stated in a letter to Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai that the the bid was “an antitrust remedy in the highest public interest” by placing Chrome under an “independent, capable operator”. Bloomberg columnist Dave Lee described the offer as “mischievous,” suggesting it is as much about influencing Google’s antitrust case as it is about closing a deal.

Apple reacts to Musk bias claims

What happened: Apple reportedly moved to dismiss fresh fire from Elon Musk accusing the iPhone-maker of bias in how it ranks AI apps on its App Store, emphasising that its listings are determined by objective algorithms.

Why it matters: The comments follow a string of posts on X from Musk in which he alleged Apple was making it “impossible” for AI products other than OpenAI’s ChatGPT to take the top spot in its store, branding the move “an unequivocal antitrust violation” and threatening immediate legal action. Musk also claimed Apple “refused” to place Grok or X in its “Must Have” section, questioning whether the company was “playing politics” and accusing it of behaving “like it’s owned by OpenAI”. At the time, Musk’s xAI-developed Grok chatbot sat sixth in the US iPhone free app chart, while ChatGPT held the number one position. Apple hit back, stating the rankings of its App Store are based on various means and denied Musk’s accusation of favouritism towards its AI partner OpenAI following a deal between the pair in 2024. The heated public dispute marks the latest flashpoint in a long-running feud between Musk and OpenAI boss Sam Altman.

Intel chief wins presidential reprieve

What happened: US President Donald Trump cooled on a demand last week for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign immediately, following a face-to-face meeting in Washington.

Why it matters: In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the meeting as “very interesting”, praising Tan’s personal success story and confirming he would seek input from his cabinet before taking further action.The reversal comes days after Trump declared there was “no other solution” than for Tan to step down, reportedly due to the government concerns around alleged links to Chinese companies. Tan assumed leadership in March, replacing Pat Gelsinger, who departed in late 2024. Intel stated the discussion with Trump was “candid and constructive”, centring on the company’s plans to bolster US technology and manufacturing capabilities. The struggling chipmaker emphasised its intention to work closely with the administration “as we restore this great American company”. As reports of the latest meeting emerged, Intel shares rose 3.5 per cent during the day on Monday, highlighting how foreign ties remain under intense scrutiny in the tech industry under the Trump administration.