New Delhi : Reportedly, Apple has acquired DarwinAI, a Canadian startup specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), potentially advancing CEO Tim Cook’s AI vision. The deal, struck earlier this year, is expected to enhance Apple’s AI endeavors, a focus Cook highlighted during the company’s recent quarterly earnings call in February. While Cook didn’t divulge specifics, he hinted at forthcoming AI developments slated for later in the year. Rumors suggest that the iOS 18 update may introduce new AI functionalities to the iPhone.

According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple not only acquired DarwinAI but also onboarded many of its employees, who are now part of Apple’s AI division. Sources indicate that the acquisition is recent, with an official announcement expected later.

Alexander Wong, co-founder and Chief Scientist of DarwinAI, has purportedly joined Apple as Director of Machine Learning Research. Apple responded to queries about the acquisition by stating it occasionally purchases smaller tech firms without disclosing specific intentions.

DarwinAI, known for providing manufacturers with AI solutions to enhance product quality and production efficiency, developed an AI system for visual inspection in manufacturing processes. Wong also reportedly devised a method to optimize neural network models for improved efficiency, possibly indicating Apple’s interest in on-device AI capabilities.

While Cook emphasized AI as a key focus for 2024, exact plans remain undisclosed. Speculations include Apple’s development of its native AI model, AppleGPT, an upgraded Siri with chatbot capabilities akin to ChatGPT and Google Gemini, AI-generated playlists for Apple Music, and AI integration into productivity apps like Pages and Keynote. The anticipated iOS 18 update, alongside the iPhone 16 series, is anticipated to introduce numerous AI enhancements for Apple devices.