Apple has been lagging behind competitors like OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft in releasing gen-AI-powered features. However, CEO Tim Cook has indicated that the company plans to introduce such features later this year. Apple's job listings suggest that the company is looking to incorporate AI in various areas, including Siri, developer tools, and customer support. Last year, Cook confirmed investment into gen-AI efforts.
Key takeaways:
- Apple has reportedly acquired Canada-based AI startup DarwinAI, which specializes in vision-based tech to improve manufacturing efficiency, although neither company has officially announced the deal.
- Several members of DarwinAI's team joined Apple's machine learning teams in January, according to their LinkedIn profiles.
- DarwinAI had raised over $15 million in funding from investors including BDC Capital’s Deep Tech Venture Fund, Honeywell Ventures, Obvious Ventures, and Inovia Capital. BDC Capital and Obvious Venture have indicated that DarwinAI has been acquired.
- DarwinAI's technology could be useful for on-device generative AI features that Apple plans to introduce in iOS 18 this year, as it makes AI models smaller and faster.