Apple is deepening its engagement in the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape through strategic expansion and acquisitions. In a significant move, the tech giant has acquired DarwinAI, a Canadian AI startup, and integrated numerous employees from the company into its AI division, as per a Bloomberg News report. This acquisition, which took place earlier in the year, signals Apple’s intent to strengthen its AI capabilities, although the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.
Despite Apple’s cautious approach to deploying generative AI technologies — which mimic human-like responses to textual queries — compared to tech counterparts like Microsoft and Alphabet’s Google, this acquisition marks a pivotal step in its AI journey. DarwinAI is known for its pioneering AI technology that facilitates the visual inspection of manufacturing components, catering to a broad spectrum of industry sectors.
Adding to the strategic acquisition, Alexander Wong, a prominent AI researcher from the University of Waterloo and a co-founder of DarwinAI, has been appointed as a director in Apple’s AI group, underscoring the importance of this new partnership. This move by Apple not only enriches its AI division with experienced talent but also highlights its commitment to innovating within the realm of artificial intelligence, aiming to bridge any gaps with its competitors.
