Apple has reportedly acquired the French artificial intelligence (AI) startup, Datakalab. The acquisition is set to provide assistance for the implementation of on-device AI tools for the upcoming iPhone 16 models which is expected to hit the markets in September.
The tech giant is likely to launch its new operating system, iOS 18, during its annual developer conference, WWDC 2024 which is set to start on June 10. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is set to offer large language model (LLM) services only through on-device data processing. Though the company is yet to announce the introduction of the AI features, it is rumoured that the features are set to be introduced with the launch of its new operating system iOS 18.
Apple AI Startup Deal: What it Brings
The Paris-based AI startup mainly specialises in algorithm compression and embedded AI systems. Though the acquisition took place on December 17 last year, the companies are yet to comment on the development. According to a report by MacRumors, the acquisition was confirmed from a European Commission filing which was spotted by French publication Challenge and iPhoneSoft.
While the financial details of the deal remain unclosed, this acquisition will surely be a part of Apple’s integration of AI in its devices.
Datakalab was established in 2016 by Xavier and Lucas Fischer. Their main aim was to introduce Artificial Intelligence technology focusing on low-power, high-efficiency deep learning algorithms that can function without depending on cloud-based systems.
As in-device processing of data reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures faster processing times the approach of the company is perfectly aligned with Apple’s commitment that emphasises more on user privacy, data security, and reliable performance. This technology attracted the American tech giant to acquire the company.
Prior to this development, the AI startup worked on various high-profile projects which include collaborations with the French government and Disney.
Datakalab developed technology that can analyse human emotions by capturing facial recognition and visual data which is widely used to see real-time audience reactions during film screenings. The company's specialisation in compressing neural networks to work effectively on devices like smartphones, tablets, etc is likely the key factor of the acquisition.
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