What you want to know
- Apple has apparently acquired Ontario-based startup DarwinAI, indicating its entry into the generative AI race.
- DarwinAI focuses on AI for visible inspection of producing elements and has developed know-how for making AI techniques smaller and quicker.
- The aim behind Apple’s acquisition of DarwinAI stays unclear, however it may result in enhancements in AI options for iOS 18.
Apple has reportedly scooped up one other startup, and this time it is Ontario-based DarwinAI, as per Bloomberg.
Evidently, Apple is a bit late to the generative AI race, what with ChatGPT and rivals from Microsoft and Google already dominating the market. However now that Apple is outwardly leaping into the scene, it’d imply the competitors for on-device AI dominance is getting intense, particularly with Google dropping its Gemini Nano mannequin not too way back.
In line with Bloomberg, Apple snagged DarwinAI earlier this 12 months. The Canadian startup focuses on AI for visually trying out manufacturing elements. Plus, it has constructed know-how to make AI techniques smaller and quicker.
There’s nonetheless no official phrase from the tech big, and Apple didn’t instantly return Android Central’s request for remark.
That stated, all indicators level to it. Apple has already introduced on board a great deal of DarwinAI’s workforce, together with co-founder Alexander Wong. The startup has additionally shut down its social media accounts and web site. And for those who examine Wong’s LinkedIn profile, he is been with Apple since January 2024, main machine studying analysis.
Tim Prepare dinner revealed throughout Apple’s earnings name in February that the corporate was planning to roll out generative AI-powered options “later this 12 months.” This acquisition may very well be the primary large trace that Apple is getting ready to inject on-device AI options into its upcoming merchandise.
As of this time, Apple’s AI use in present merchandise is sort of restricted to the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional and a bunch of AI-powered functionalities in iOS 17.
However the million-dollar query is: what’s going to Apple do with DarwinAI? It has been maintaining mum about its AI agenda. Contemplating DarwinAI’s knack for making AI techniques smaller and speedier, a sensible guess can be on Apple’s tech beefing up AI options in iOS 18.
Final 12 months, when Google introduced Gemini AI to the Pixel 8 Professional, it appeared like a direct jab at Apple’s core enterprise. However Apple hasn’t actually hinted at doing one thing comparable with iOS and Siri this 12 months.
Apple must hustle within the generative AI sport, as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft are all charging forward with their very own providers.
