Apple completed its acquisition of a Paris-based startup specializing in artificial intelligence compression and computer vision technology in December, as reported by French business magazine Challenges. The European Commission was later notified of the deal.
This acquisition represents a substantial investment for Apple, as it acquired a 100% stake in the company founded by brothers Xavier and Lucas Fischer seven years ago. The exact financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Prior to being acquired, the startup had between 10 to 20 employees and positioned itself as an “expert in low power, runtime efficient, and deep learning algorithms” designed to work on devices.
Datakalab, as the startup is known, holds several patents related to AI compression and vision technology. While the founders did not join Apple, a number of other employees made the transition.
This development coincides with Apple’s plans to integrate advanced AI features into iOS 18, capable of functioning offline and on-device, slated for release later this year.
Furthermore, Apple is reportedly in discussions with Google to introduce generative AI features to iPhones, enhancing user experiences.
The acquisition is anticipated to contribute significantly to the ongoing development of Apple’s Vision Pro, which debuted earlier in the year. The startup’s sophisticated facial recognition technology is also expected to enhance Apple’s photo management and Face ID capabilities.
