Apple Executes Second-Largest Acquisition in Company History
Apple has officially acquired the Israeli startup Q.ai for approximately $2 billion. This marks the company’s second-largest acquisition to date, following its $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014. Furthermore, this is the largest acquisition since Apple bought Intel’s smartphone modem business and related patents for $1 billion in 2019.
Significance of the Acquisition
Q.ai is known for developing advanced AI technology that can analyze facial expressions to interpret what it describes as “silent speech.” This groundbreaking capability could enhance interactions with Siri by allowing for non-verbal communication. Johny Srouji, Apple’s chipmaking chief, confirmed the acquisition and praised Q.ai as a pioneer in imaging and machine learning.
Background on Q.ai and Its Founders
Aviad Maizels, co-founder of Q.ai, has a notable history in the tech industry. He previously founded PrimeSense, another Israeli startup acquired by Apple in 2013. PrimeSense’s technology laid the groundwork for Face ID, which was introduced with the iPhone X in 2017.
Previous Major Acquisitions by Apple
- Beats by Dre – Acquired for $3 billion in 2014.
- Intel’s Smartphone Modem Business – Acquired for $1 billion in 2019.
This latest acquisition reaffirms Apple’s commitment to enhancing its technological prowess, particularly in artificial intelligence and user interaction technologies. As Apple continues to expand its portfolio, the industry anticipates further innovations stemming from Q.ai’s capabilities.
