DarwinAI, a hitherto obscure start-up based in Canada that has been assiduously working on implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tech bolsters the manufacturing processes, has recently been added to Apple’s burgeoning roster of acquisitions. According to recent reports published by Bloomberg, this discreet deal was implemented with Apple’s inherent interest in advancing its machine learning capabilities.
Surprisingly, neither Apple nor DarwinAI has publicly acknowledged this acquisition. However, LinkedIn profiles of several key DarwinAI personnel reveal a conspicuous update: a shift in their professional trajectory, joining Apple’s machine learning teams in January.
In its entrepreneurial journey thus far, DarwinAI generated over $15 million in funds via different investment rounds. An assortment of investors made this viable, including eminent names like BDC Capital’s Deep Tech Venture Fund, Honeywell Ventures, Obvious Ventures, and Inovia Capital. The acquisition was surreptitiously revealed when BDC Capital exhilaratingly updated on its website about its gratifying exit from DarwinAI. Simultaneously, Obvious Venture accommodated the change in its portfolio, indicating the transition of the start-up’s status from independent to being acquired.
Whilst solicited for a statement on this matter, both BDC Capital and Obvious Venture held their silence. Apple, known for its policy of shrouding such matters in secrecy, didn’t dispense immediate comments either.
Speaking of DarwinAI’s specific contribution to Apple’s existing technology, it should be mentioned that their AI models focus significantly on enhancing manufacturing efficiency whilst simultaneously making the AI models more compact and expeditious. This niche could hold potential synergies with on-device generative AI features that Apple envisions unveiling with iOS 18 later this year.
Ironically enough, Apple has exhibited relative sluggishness in bringing gen-AI-powered features to market compared to its competitors including OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. A glimmer of hope emerged when Tim Cook, during a recent earnings call, assured analysts about Apple’s intent to introduce such features later this year. The tech giant’s CEO further emphasized on the company’s steadfast commitment to the area of gen-AI, promising to reveal Apple’s progress in this space in the coming months.
In the past, Cook has vocally recognized Apple’s investment into gen-AI initiatives. Indications of such strategic decisions have been reflected in the company’s recruitment advertisements, insinuating a keen interest in the extensive application of AI – from Siri and developer tools to customer support.
