Apple Acquires DarwinAI to Bolster Generative AI Efforts for iOS 18

The acquisition of Canadian startup DarwinAI marks a significant step in Apple's AI strategy, aiming to enhance privacy and efficiency with on-device AI technology.

Apple's acquisition of DarwinAI, a Canadian AI startup, signals a major push into generative AI, with plans to introduce new AI features in iOS 18.
DarwinAI's technology, which makes AI systems smaller and faster, aligns with Apple's focus on running AI on devices for enhanced privacy and efficiency.
The acquisition has brought dozens of DarwinAI employees into Apple's AI division, including co-founder Alexander Wong as director of Machine Learning Research.
Apple's AI advancements aim to compete with rivals like Google and Microsoft, with iOS 18 expected to include AI-enhanced Siri, auto-summarizing and auto-completion features in apps.
Apple has been the top buyer of AI startups in recent years, acquiring 32 AI companies in 2023 alone, more than any other major tech company.