What’s DarwinAI, Apple’s newly acquired start-up?

Apple quietly acquired Canadian synthetic intelligence startup DarwinAI earlier this yr, including dozens of the corporate’s staffers to its AI division.

Bloomberg News reported the under-the-radar buy on Thursday (Mar. 14) with Apple but to publicly announce the information. They did inform the US information outlet that IT “buys smaller Technology firms infrequently.”

One of many large gamers within the Ontario-based firm, Alexander Wong, has joined Apple as a director in its AI group as a part of the deal. He helped to construct the startup and works as an AI researcher on the College of Waterloo.

DarwinAI is the newest in a protracted record of comparable acquisitions as Apple reportedly bought 32 AI startups final yr.

What’s DarwinAI?

DarwinAI is finest recognized for growing AI Technology that may visually examine parts throughout the manufacturing course of. They’re stated to have served prospects in a spread of industries.

Based in 2017, the corporate stated its preliminary focus was on disrupting ‘the electronics manufacturing business by enhancing the effectivity of Printed Circuit Board Meeting manufacturing by way of their ground-breaking Technology.’

In 2022, they raised greater than $15 million throughout six funding rounds. They acquired funding from 12 buyers, together with the likes of Honeywell Ventures and Inovia Capital, amongst different enterprise capital companies.

In a press release following the announcement of a funding spherical in December 2022, one of many co-founders stated the “transformation is simply starting,” as they deliberate to boost cash to assist proceed constructing superior options.

Why did Apple purchase DarwinAI?

IT’s no secret that Apple is presently trailing behind different business titans who’ve already made the steps into the world of AI.

The iPhone maker is now enjoying catch-up, with Chief Govt Officer Tim Cook dinner promising that Apple will “break new ground” in AI this yr. And the iPhone might quickly have Google’s Gemini synthetic intelligence (AI) to energy new options, following chats between Apple and the search big.

Its acquisition is probably going in keeping with their focus and a spotlight being on synthetic intelligence, to maintain up with others within the business. 

In September of 2023, IT was reported by The Information that the multinational company is investing thousands and thousands of {dollars} per day into synthetic intelligence, with work ongoing throughout a number of AI fashions over a number of groups.

In depth work appears to have been carried out within the background at Apple by way of bringing AI to the forefront, with an announcement anticipated round June time forward of iOS 18 in September. 

Featured Picture: By way of Ideogram