Apple Inc. has acquired Israeli artificial intelligence start‑up Q.AI in a deal valued at around $2 billion, marking one of the company’s largest acquisitions in recent years.
Founded in 2022, Q.AI specializes in advanced machine-learning technology capable of interpreting facial micro‑movements and silent speech, allowing devices to understand user intentions without spoken commands. The start-up has a team of roughly 100 employees, who will join Apple following the acquisition.
The deal signals Apple’s ambition to strengthen its capabilities in wearable devices and AI-powered interfaces. Analysts expect the technology could be integrated into products such as AirPods, smart glasses, or Apple’s Vision Pro headsets, enabling more intuitive ways for users to interact with devices.
Apple has faced increasing competition from tech rivals including Meta, Google, and OpenAI in the AI space, particularly in voice assistants and mixed-reality devices. Industry experts say this acquisition shows Apple’s determination to catch up in AI innovation and enhance its on-device intelligence.
The Q.AI acquisition is second only to Apple’s 2014 purchase of Beats in terms of scale and reflects the tech giant’s broader strategy to invest in next-generation AI technologies that transform user interaction.
Also Read: Defence budget nears 2% of GDP, gets ₹7.85 lakh cr