Apple began its relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in 2023 through a series of start-up acquisitions. The tech giant is estimated to have acquired a total of 32 AI companies in the span of a year.
Apple’s aggressive approach significantly surpasses its main competitors in the AI arena, including Google, Meta (formerly known as Facebook), and Microsoft.
According to data collected by Stocklytics, citing a Statista report, Apple’s acquisition frenzy reflects its commitment to strengthening AI capabilities across a diverse product portfolio.
Financial analyst Edith Reads highlighted Apple’s proactive approach in the AI arms race, positioning the company well for future technological advancements.
“By securing significant deals with multiple AI start-ups, Apple strategically reinforces its position ahead of upcoming technological innovations, even as competitors like Microsoft and Google invest substantial resources in established AI enterprises,” commented Reads.
She emphasized that Apple’s acquisitions provide access to top talent and cutting-edge technologies, strengthening its presence in key AI areas and ensuring a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech space.
While Apple has remained silent about its specific plans for integrating the acquired AI knowledge and technologies, its acquisition strategy reflects a comprehensive approach involving talent acquisition, technology integration, and the expansion of intellectual property.
In recent years, Apple has made significant acquisitions of AI start-ups such as Voysis, WaveOne, Emotient, and Laserlike. For example, the purchase of Voysis in 2020, known for its voice assistant capabilities, likely contributed to advancements in Apple’s virtual assistant Siri.
WaveOne, acquired in March 2023, specialized in video compression technology, potentially enhancing Apple products such as iPhones and Apple Watches. Other acquisitions focused on areas such as speech recognition, app recommendations, and AI in music.
Apple’s emphasis on early-stage start-ups indicates a strategic drive to identify and invest in new AI trends ahead of competitors, thereby solidifying its position as an innovation leader in the field.
Apple’s plans for implementing these technologies into consumer products have not yet been disclosed, while competitors like Samsung and Google showcase advanced AI features in their smartphones, such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Despite Apple’s secrecy, analysts estimate a rapid pace of start-up acquisitions, averaging 2-3 per week in recent years.
This ongoing pursuit underscores Apple’s ambition to lead the AI race in the coming years, even as competitors vie for dominance through acquisitions of established AI companies and technologies.
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The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com