Apple has finally joined the race in the realm of generative artificial intelligence, albeit a tad belatedly. While ChatGPT, a groundbreaking AI model, made its debut back in late 2022, competitors like Microsoft and Google had already established their presence in the market. However, recent reports suggest that Apple is gearing up to make its mark in the gen AI sphere, with Bloomberg disclosing its quiet acquisition of DarwinAI, a Canadian startup, earlier this year.
The acquisition of DarwinAI marks Apple’s latest move in its ongoing spree of AI-related acquisitions, having reportedly bought 32 AI startups throughout 2023, as per MacRumors. Notably, DarwinAI is renowned for its expertise in optimizing AI systems to be more compact and efficient, as well as its advancements in AI technology for visual component inspection in manufacturing processes. Apple has wasted no time integrating DarwinAI’s talent pool into its ranks, with co-founder Alexander Wong and numerous employees reportedly joining the tech giant, according to Bloomberg.
While Apple has refrained from providing official comments regarding the acquisition, the signs are unmistakable. DarwinAI’s social media presence and official website have been shuttered, and Wong’s LinkedIn profile now lists his role as the director of machine learning research at Apple since January 2024.
As for Apple’s plans for DarwinAI, speculation abounds. Although details remain scarce, Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at forthcoming developments during a quarterly earnings call in February, teasing “things that we’re incredibly excited about” set to be revealed later in the year. Notably secretive about its AI endeavors, Apple’s current AI implementations are confined to products like Apple Vision Pro and AI-driven features within iOS 17, such as enhanced camera functionality and voice cloning capabilities.
Looking ahead, there are whispers of Apple potentially incorporating Google’s Gemini AI models into the upcoming iPhone 16, with the aim of bolstering its gen AI capabilities. This move could potentially pave the way for groundbreaking AI features, shaping iOS 18 into a significant upgrade over its predecessor. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, where further insights into the tech giant’s AI roadmap are anticipated to be unveiled.
