Highlights

• Apple enhances AI division with DarwinAI acquisition.
• DarwinAI’s tech to improve iOS 18 with privacy-centric AI features.
• Alexander Wong joins Apple as AI director post-acquisition.
• WWDC to showcase iOS 18’s AI advancements, including an upgraded Siri.

Apple has acquired DarwinAI, a firm celebrated for its groundbreaking work in optimizing deep neural networks.

This acquisition comes at a pivotal time, as Apple gears up to introduce a suite of AI features in the forthcoming iOS 18.

DarwinAI’s expertise in making AI systems more efficient and compact is a perfect match for Apple’s commitment to privacy and on-device processing.

Strategic Acquisitions to Forge AI Innovations

The deal, reported by Bloomberg, saw Apple taking over the startup earlier this year, incorporating many of DarwinAI’s talents into its AI division.

Apple intends to leverage DarwinAI’s innovations to enhance iOS capabilities, particularly in making AI models more manageable and privacy-compliant.

Alexander Wong, a prominent AI researcher from the University of Waterloo who played a significant role in DarwinAI’s advancements, has joined Apple as a director within its AI department.

This acquisition is part of a series of moves by Apple to bolster its AI and augmented reality technologies.

In May 2023, Apple acquired WaveOne, known for its video compression algorithms, followed by the acquisition of Mira, a developer of augmented reality headsets, in June.

“Waterloo, Ontario-based DarwinAI had raised more than $15 million as of 2022, according to the Canadian startup community Communitech. It received investments from Honeywell Ventures and Inovia Capital, among other venture capital firms. The startup also has worked with companies like Lockheed Martin Corp. and Intel Corp.,” according to Bloomberg.”

Anticipated AI Enhancements in iOS 18

With the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) on the horizon in June, the tech community is abuzz with anticipation for the AI innovations Apple is expected to unveil for iOS 18.

Rumours suggest an array of enhancements, including a refined Siri, along with new AI-driven functionalities within Messages, iWork, Apple Music, and beyond.

Additionally, Apple plans to integrate AI technology into Xcode and its customer service workflows, promising a comprehensive AI overhaul across its ecosystem.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted at significant AI announcements slated for this year, stirring excitement about the company’s advancements in generative AI.

During Apple’s Q1 earnings call and the subsequent shareholder meeting, Cook teased future AI developments, indicating that Apple is poised to “break new ground” in this domain.

FAQs

What does the acquisition of DarwinAI mean for Apple?

Apple’s acquisition of DarwinAI aims to strengthen its AI division, utilizing DarwinAI’s expertise to make AI systems more efficient and privacy-friendly, particularly for the upcoming iOS 18.

How will DarwinAI’s technology impact iOS 18?

DarwinAI’s technology is expected to enhance iOS 18 by introducing more compact and efficient AI features that align with Apple’s commitment to user privacy and on-device processing.

Who from DarwinAI has joined Apple?

Alexander Wong, a significant figure in DarwinAI’s development and a renowned AI researcher from the University of Waterloo, has joined Apple as a director in its AI department.

What AI innovations can we expect from Apple in the near future?

Apple is anticipated to unveil new AI features for iOS 18 at WWDC, including improvements to Siri, and new AI functionalities in Messages, iWork, Apple Music, among others.

How is Apple integrating AI into its ecosystem?

Beyond iOS 18, Apple plans to incorporate AI technology into Xcode and its customer service operations, signifying a comprehensive integration of AI across its ecosystem.

Also Read: iOS 18 Rumours: AI Revolution, Enhanced Cross-Platform Messaging, and More

Also Read: iOS 18 Could Reportedly Get a visionOS-Style Redesign for iPhones and iPads

Also Read: iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Compatible Device List Leaked: What Devices Make the Cut?