Apple has added one other AI startup to its acquisition record with Canada-based DarwinAI, which focuses on vision-based tech to look at elements throughout manufacturing to enhance effectivity, Bloomberg reported.
Whereas Apple or DarwinAI haven’t introduced this deal, a number of members of the startup’s workforce joined Apple’s machine studying groups in January, as per their LinkedIn profiles.
DarwinAI had raised over $15 million in funding throughout varied rounds from buyers together with BDC Capital’s Deep Tech Enterprise Fund, Honeywell Ventures, Apparent Ventures, and Inovia Capital. BDC Capital confirms on its web site that it has obtained an exit from DarwinAI, whereas Apparent Enterprise has up to date its portfolio to mirror that the startup has been acquired.
BDC Capital and Apparent Enterprise didn’t touch upon the story on the time of writing. Apple didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
As Bloomberg famous in its report, aside from serving to with manufacturing effectivity, DarwinAI makes use of methods to make AI fashions smaller and quicker. This may very well be helpful for on-device generative AI options Apple hopes to introduce in iOS 18 this yr.
Apple has lagged in releasing gen-AI-powered options as in comparison with opponents like OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. In February, Tim Cook dinner stated the corporate plans to introduce such options “later this yr.”
“We proceed to spend an amazing quantity of effort and time and we’re excited to share the small print of our ongoing work in that area later this yr,” Cook dinner stated throughout a quarterly earnings name with analysts.
Final yr the Apple high exec had confirmed funding into gen-AI efforts. Apple’s job listings have advised the corporate is exploring infusing AI in a number of inner and exterior areas together with, Siri, developer instruments, and buyer help.
