what you need to know
- Apple has apparently acquired Ontario startup DarwinAI, signaling its entry into the generative artificial intelligence race.
- DarwinAI specializes in artificial intelligence for visual inspection of manufacturing components and has developed technology to make artificial intelligence systems smaller and faster.
- The purpose of Apple’s acquisition of DarwinAI is unclear, but it may enhance the AI capabilities of iOS 18.
Apple has acquired another startup, this time Ontario-based DarwinAI, Bloomberg reports.
Needless to say, Apple is a bit late to the generative AI race, with ChatGPT and competitors from Microsoft and Google already dominating the market. But now Apple has apparently stepped in, which could mean the race for on-device AI dominance is getting fiercer, especially since Google ditched the Gemini Nano model not too long ago.
According to Bloomberg, Apple acquired DarwinAI earlier this year. The Canadian startup specializes in artificial intelligence for visual inspection of manufacturing components. In addition, it develops technology to make AI systems smaller and faster.
There’s no official word from the tech giant, and Apple didn’t immediately respond to Android Central’s request for comment.
That said, all signs point to it. Apple has hired several members of the DarwinAI team, including co-founder Alexander Wong. The startup also shut down its social media accounts and website. If you look at Wong’s LinkedIn profile, you’ll see that he has been working at Apple since January 2024, leading machine learning research.
Tim Cook revealed during Apple’s February earnings call that the company plans to launch AI-driven generation capabilities “later this year.” The acquisition could be the first big hint that Apple is preparing to inject device artificial intelligence capabilities into its upcoming products.
As of now, Apple’s use of AI in current products has been limited to Apple Vision Pro and a set of AI features in iOS 17.
But the most important question is: How will Apple leverage DarwinAI? It has been silent on its AI agenda. Considering DarwinAI’s ability to make AI systems smaller and faster, it would be wise to bet on Apple’s technology to enhance AI capabilities in iOS 18.
When Google introduced Gemini AI to the Pixel 8 Pro last year, it seemed like a direct attack on Apple’s core business. But Apple hasn’t really hinted at doing anything similar with iOS and Siri this year.
Apple needs to get serious in the generative AI game as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft all launch their own services.