Apple continues to face pressure from investors for its lack of urgency in competing for the lead in the AI race. Despite having nearly $200 billion in cash, it hasn't been throwing money around in AI infrastructure and talent like many of its Silicon Valley peers have. While its business case for AI would differ from companies like Meta and Google, Apple hasn't even got much to show for on mobile, as the AI capabilities it has offered so far for the iPhone have paled in comparison to Samsung's Galaxy AI. Samsung saw the mobile AI trend faster than most of its competition. It positioned the Galaxy S24 series as the first true AI phone, introducing the Galaxy AI suite of features that was then expanded to the foldable series and every flagship since then. Galaxy AI is a comprehensive suite that includes AI features Samsung has developed, such as Object Eraser, Writing Assist, Generative Edit, and many more, as well as features that Google offers through its Gemini platform, such as Gemini Live. Combined, they offer one of the best AI experiences on a mobile device. People have noticed. Posts on social media comparing the difference in Galaxy AI vs Apple Intelligence are a dime a dozen. Apple's had to push back timelines for some features, such as the AI-enhanced Siri assistant, as well since the development hasn't progressed as well as it would have liked.Apple typically takes a slow approach to industry trends. It lets others ride the hype for a couple of years before jumping in. That's what it did with embracing larger displays, 5G connectivity, and it has done with foldables, as Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to arrive seven years after the first Galaxy Fold. However, AI is unlike any trend we've witnessed so far. It has been on an absolute tear, showcasing its capability to transform entire industries, and the public at large has shown a lot more willingness to adopt and enrich their lives with AI, making it certain that this is more than just a passing fad. The reason Apple is lagging behind is simple: It didn't pick up the infrastructure and talent ahead of time, so it got left behind. Samsung hasn't burned billions of dollars in the process as well but it went about things more strategically. In addition to its own resource development for AI, it established a close-knit partnership with Google, which enabled it to benefit from the internet search giant's insane investments in the AI segment. While his demeanor may not have betrayed any nervousness during the company's earnings call yesterday, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirming the company will now invest heavily into AI makes it clear that Apple now desperately wants to catch up to the pack because to not do so is no longer an option. Cook said on the earnings call that Apple will “significantly” grow its AI investments, confirming that the company is “open to M&A that accelerates our roadmap.” Apple hasn't made a major acquisition in more than a decade, its last big purchase was the $3 billion deal that added Beats Electronics to its portfolio.Analysts were quite focused on getting as much information as possible from Apple executives on AI investments, that's how much Wall Street wants to see a clear path forward from the management on this crucial segment. Rumors have circulated that Apple is in talks to buy Perplexity, a rapidly growing AI platform, in what could be its biggest deal since 2014. Samsung has eyes on Perplexity as well, considering both an investment and the addition of its AI capabilities on the Galaxy S26.As Apple finally digs into its very, very deep pockets to fund these purchases, it looks like a nervous reaction to seeing the writing on the wall, but Cupertino might be thinking that it's better late than never. Meanwhile, Samsung's quiet confidence exudes self-assurance, the company knows that it's got the right start on AI for mobile and is now in a much better position to take its lead from strength to strength.The post Tim Cook’s AI grab looks nervous next to Samsung’s confidence appeared first on SamMobile.