Apple is acquiring the Israeli artificial intelligence startup Q.ai in a deal estimated at about $1.5 billion, making it the second-largest acquisition in the company’s history after its purchase of Beats in 2014.
Q.ai was founded in 2022 by Aviad Maizels (CEO), Dr. Yonatan Wexler (CTO) and Dr. Avi Barliya. Maizels previously founded PrimeSense, which Apple acquired in 2013; that technology later helped Apple move from fingerprint sensors to facial recognition.
Based in Ramat Gan, Q.ai has developed machine learning applications focused on whispered speech and advanced audio technologies. Its work aims to transform audio and communication experiences for wearable devices.
Apple has not disclosed specific future uses for Q.ai’s technology, but it could be applied to products such as AirPods or the Vision Pro headset to enhance how users interact with devices.
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