Kaitlyn Cimino/Android Authority
long story short
- Apple has acquired Canadian artificial intelligence startup DarwinAI, which focuses on creating smaller, faster artificial intelligence systems.
- The move could be a step toward building on-device artificial intelligence capabilities for upcoming Apple products.
- Apple is expected to demonstrate new AI features in Siri, messaging and more at WWDC in June.
Following Google’s recent release of its Gemini Nano model, Apple’s battle for on-device AI supremacy is heating up.according to a Bloomberg According to reports, Apple acquired Canadian artificial intelligence startup DarwinAI earlier this year. DarwinAI focuses on creating smaller, faster artificial intelligence systems, a key factor in on-device processing.
The report highlights that dozens of former DarwinAI employees, including artificial intelligence researcher Alexander Wong, have joined Apple’s artificial intelligence team. DarwinAI’s website and social media accounts have also been taken offline following the acquisition.
Apple is generally tight-lipped about its acquisitions, saying only that it “acquires smaller technology companies from time to time.” However, the move could be the first big sign that Apple plans to integrate on-device AI capabilities into upcoming iPhones and Macs.
On-device AI processing offers considerable benefits in terms of privacy and functionality. Local data processing can minimize sending sensitive user information to the cloud, enhancing user privacy. Additionally, on-device AI allows users to access AI features even without an internet connection, not to mention potentially reducing processing costs for commonly used functions.
With CEO Tim Cook already hinting at an AI release “later this year” during last month’s earnings call, Apple is expected to unveil iOS 18’s heavily artificial intelligence at WWDC in June Smart features. These may include improved Siri, Messages, iWork, Apple Music and other AI-powered features.
WWDC is just around the corner, and hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to see how Apple plans to leverage its AI advancements in its upcoming products.