The acquisition comes as Apple is expected to introduce a suite of AI features to iOS 18 later this year. Datakalab's advanced vision-based technology could potentially contribute to Apple's Vision Pro ambitions, and its facial recognition technology could be integrated into Apple's Photos and Face ID features. Neither Apple nor Datakalab have officially acknowledged the acquisition.
Key takeaways:
- Apple has reportedly acquired Datakalab, a Paris-based startup specializing in artificial intelligence compression and computer vision technology.
- Datakalab has previously worked with the French government and companies like Disney, and holds multiple patents related to AI compression and vision technology.
- The acquisition could contribute to Apple's AI features in iOS 18 and its Vision Pro ambitions, as well as potentially enhancing features like Photos and Face ID.
- Despite the acquisition, Datakalab's two founders did not join Apple, but several other employees did.