Overview

• 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.