Apple's acquisition of canadian AI Startup DarwinAI: A report

Apple has purportedly acquired DarwinAI, a Canadian artificial intelligence (AI) startup, in a strategic move to bolster its presence in the AI market. The acquisition reportedly took place earlier this year but has not been officially confirmed, according to Bloomberg sources cited on Thursday (March 14). 

DarwinAI's website is currently inaccessible. While Apple declined to comment on its plans, it acknowledged its occasional acquisition of smaller technology firms, Bloomberg noted.

DarwinAI is recognized for its AI technology, which conducts visual inspections of components during manufacturing. Its specialization in developing compact, high-speed AI systems aligns with Apple's focus on on-device AI rather than relying solely on cloud-based solutions.

Alexander Wong, a prominent AI researcher at the University of Waterloo and a key contributor to DarwinAI, has reportedly joined Apple as a director within its AI division.

This reported acquisition coincides with Apple's preparations for a significant push into generative AI in 2024, as hinted by CEO Tim Cook. Despite trailing in the generative AI market compared to its competitors, Apple has internally begun integrating this technology for customer service, presentation creation, text completion, and even enhancing its Xcode programming software.

The company's recent shift of personnel from its electric car project to the AI division indicates a heightened focus on AI development. Cook has promised further details on Apple's generative AI strategy later this year, expressing confidence in its transformative potential and significant investments in the field.