Apple plans to introduce new AI capabilities in iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 on June 10. It is believed that many of these AI functions will operate directly on iPhones without needing cloud processing.
A new report indicates that Apple has bought a French startup that focuses on AI to enhance these features.
A report from the French business magazine Challenges, shared by 9To5Mac, states that Apple has purchased Datakalab, a Paris-based startup known for its AI and computer vision technology. The deal was finalized in December 2023, but the information is only being released now.
Datakalab describes itself as specialists in energy-efficient, fast, and advanced deep learning algorithms that operate on devices. Before being bought by Apple, Datakalab employed between 10 and 20 people. Currently, Datakalab’s official website is no longer active.
It is reported that Apple has acquired a complete ownership of Datakalab, a company established seven years ago by brothers Xavier and Lucas Fischer.
Datakalab is the same firm that collaborated with the French government in May 2020. During the COVID pandemic, they used AI tools in Paris’ transportation systems to check if people were wearing masks.
The French startup had partnerships with Disney and various other firms in the past. There has been no official confirmation of the acquisition from either Datakalab or Apple.
Nonetheless, Challenges reported that information about the deal was submitted to the European Commission this month.
According to the reports, the two founders did not transfer to Apple, although several other team members did.
Apple’s acquisition of this AI company aligns with its strategy to integrate AI capabilities into the forthcoming iOS 18.
Given Datakalab’s expertise in computer vision technology, Apple might utilize this expertise for its Vision Pro projects in the future.
What we think?
I think Apple buying Datakalab will make iPhones smarter. They will use the startup’s smart computer vision tech in iOS 18. This could let iPhones do more AI stuff by themselves without needing the internet.
It’s cool because it could lead to new features like better photo recognition or new safety tools. This might make iPhones even better and more useful.
