Such an acquisition could help Apple create its own AI-powered search engine. This is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the potential loss of its long-standing agreement with Google, a partnership that earns Apple roughly $20 billion annually by making Google the default browser on its devices.

Adrian Perica, the company’s head of mergers and acquisitions, has weighed the idea with services chief Eddy Cue and top AI decision-makers, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The discussions are at an early stage and may not lead to an offer,