March 15, 2024 – Apple has made a significant move in the artificial intelligence (AI) space with the acquisition of DarwinAI, a Canadian startup specializing in understanding and optimizing deep neural networks, according to recent media reports.
Headquartered in Canada, DarwinAI boasts a core technology that leverages AI to comprehend the intricacies of deep neural network algorithms. This unique approach enables the generation of a new set of highly optimized neural networks tailored to specific needs and requirements. Essentially, it eliminates the need for developers to have a deep understanding of neural network models, as the platform can produce smaller, more streamlined models based on user-defined demands within days.
Industry insiders believe that this technology could be a game-changer for Apple, particularly as the tech giant focuses on running AI directly on devices rather than solely relying on cloud-based solutions.
As part of the acquisition, Professor Alexander Wong, a co-founder of DarwinAI and a respected AI researcher at the University of Waterloo’s Department of Systems Design Engineering, has joined Apple as the head of its AI team.
This move comes after Apple’s decision in February to shift its focus from an autonomous vehicle project to generative AI initiatives. CEO Tim Cook subsequently expressed the company’s ambition to “break new ground” in the AI domain.
Some analysts have pointed out that Apple has been lagging behind in certain market momentum drivers. However, they remain optimistic that the introduction of new AI-driven products, potentially in the latter half of the year, could change this narrative.
