Apple has acquired Datakalab, a French AI company known for its work in algorithm compression and embedded AI systems. Reports suggest that the Cupertino-based giant bought the company in December last year. The acquisition was noted in a European Commission filing spotted by the French publication Challenges (via iPhoneSoft).
While the deal’s financial details are still under wraps, it’s likely part of Apple’s plan to improve on-device AI on upcoming iPhones.
Why Datakalab?
Datakalab was established in 2016 by Xavier and Lucas Fischer. It mainly focuses on making AI work efficiently without relying on cloud systems—on-device AI. This fits perfectly with Apple’s focus on privacy, security, and device performance in terms of AI. Datakalab’s expertise in compressing AI algorithms to work well on smartphones and tablets has likely attracted the Cupertino-based tech giant.
Recently, popular Apple Analyst Mark Gurman also stated in his weekly Power On newsletter that Apple will introduce on-device AI features with iOS 18.
Apple’s Other AI Acquisitions
Since AI is the buzzword for all the tech giants in 2024, Apple also doesn’t want to be left behind. As a result, the company is on an AI companies shopping spree. According to a report from Statista, in 2023, Apple acquired a staggering 32 AI startups, significantly more than Google’s 21.
Apple Looking at Google, OpenAI for AI
Yes, you read that right. According to some previous reports by Gurman, Apple and Google are in active talks to enable Apple to license Gemini, Google’s generative AI model, to integrate some new features into the upcoming iPhone 16 series. However, it’s not like Apple is only in talks with Google. Reports on the internet state that Apple also talked with OpenAI about using its AI model in future iPhones.
Apple’s In-House AI Development
Apple is also exploring AI in-house. The company recently abandoned its decade-long car project to focus on artificial intelligence. Besides, Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced, “The company will break new ground in generative AI in 2024.”
However, the company has not revealed any details about its AI projects. So until we get official details, it’s better to take all these rumours and reports with a pinch of salt.
