Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is unlikely to acquire Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), despite recent reports that the iPhone maker’s M&A head Adrian Percia had a meeting with Elon Musk in Cupertino last year. Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said in an interview with CNBC that Apple is more likely to collaborate with an innovator like Elon Musk rather than buying the electric vehicle company. In October 2013, German analyst Adnaan Ahmad suggested in an open letter that Tim Cook should acquire Tesla. In the past, there have also been multiple rumors that the Cupertino-based tech giant may purchase Tesla.
There is zero chance of Apple buying Tesla
But Peter Misek believes there is “zero chance” of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) acquiring Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA). Apple is missing the genius of Steve Jobs since he passed away. Tesla’s founder has demonstrated similar capabilities. Peter Misek said that the iPhone maker may partner with Tesla on back-seat entertainment options such as music, apps and movies in the upcoming Tesla SUV. The San Francisco-based company is planning to roll out its Model X SUV by the end of this year.
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been eying in-car options for the past several years. Last year, the company announced iOS in the car at WWDC. It allows users to connect their iPhone to the vehicle so that they can easily access the iOS apps from the car’s dashboard. Misek said partnering with Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) would give Apple stock a nice catalyst. Apple investors want the company to delve into new product categories, whether it’s an in-car entertainment, iWatch, iTV or something entirely different. They just want the tech giant to get into a new category and restart their explosive growth.
Apple might have had a bigger plan
There is a possibility that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’ iOS and OS X may take a bigger role at the front seat of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s upcoming vehicles. A section of experts argue that the tech giant wouldn’t send its top M&A executive to meet with Elon Musk if it was just about an in-car entertainment partnership. It must have been something bigger, they figure.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares were little changed at $545.59 in pre-market trading Wednesday.
