Apple has acquired the Canada-based AI startup DarwinAI. The acquisition is a step towards Apple’s strategy to incorporate generative AI in 2024–2025.
DarwinAI specializes in making AI applications faster and smaller, which accurately aligns with Apple’s current focus on AI on devices for privacy reasons rather than relying on cloud-based processing.
Several of DarwinAI’s employees have already joined the AI division, including Alexander Wong, a renowned AI researcher. Wong has also accepted the role of director of the AI division.
The company’s AI technology includes Ai for visually investigating components during the manufacturing process. The same process will now also support Apple in various industries and will also empower AI-driven activities within iOS devices.
Apple is making a huge generative AI push with its’ upcoming iOS 18, which will come with an upgraded AI version of Siri, Messages, iWork, Apple Music, and other famous applications.
Apple is also integrating AI technology into Xcode. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has also hinted at a lot of AI announcements from Apple in 2024.
It has not yet been disclosed what sum Apple actually paid DarwinAI to buy their start-up. While Apple once stated that they “buy smaller technology companies from time to time,” this acquisition is also part of their long-term plan.
