Apple acquires DarwinAI, a Canadian AI start-up part of Apple’s massive generative AI push

Apple is likely to build hundreds of AI servers that will offer a combination of cloud-based AI and edge AI. (Photo via Unsplash)

Earlier this week we announced  that Apple might be in talks with Alphabet Inc. A report in Bloomberg by Mark Gurman suggested that Google’s Gemini might drive AI features in the iPhone. A few days ago, Gurman has also confirmed that Apple has acquired Canada’s DarwinAI in a relatively quiet move earlier this year. Apple is making multiple moves to bring more generative AI features to the iPhone. By all accounts, Apple is all set to unveil the developer version of iOS 18 at the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2024. It’s likely to be one of the most significant overhauls of Apple’s iOS and is very likely to have a distinct AI flavour.

In January we had reported that iOS 18 will feature a massive AI push. Jeff Pu, an analyst who keeps tabs on Apple’s supply chain for Haitong International Securities has speculated that Apple is likely to build hundreds of AI servers that will offer a combination of cloud-based AI and edge AI that will involve more on-device data processing.

While news of the likely Apple – Google deal on Google Gemini has been generating buzz and had a positive impact on both Apple and Alphabet shares, reports of Apple’s acquisition of DarwinAI have further highlighted Apple’s AI thrust. This is in addition to reports about Project Graymatter – Apple’s set of in-house AI features that are likely to be at the core of iOS18.  Gurman had also reported that Apple had held talks with OpenAI.

DarwinAI has built a reputation for advancements in AI technology. It specialises in optimising AI systems for enhanced speed and compactness. It seems the perfect fit for Apple’s plans for on device-based AI proposed rather than leaning entirely on cloud-based solutions. Alexander Wong (one of the co-founders of DarwinAI) has joined Apple’s AI group as a director. According to Communitech, a hub for Canadian start-ups, DarwinAI had raised over $15 million by 2022. The company has already collaborated with companies like Intel. This latest move is clear evidence that Apple is leaving no stones unturned in its generative AI push that could play out in the upcoming iPhone 16 series later this year.