Apple has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli artificial intelligence startup specializing in audio technology and facial analysis. The deal values the company at between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, making it Apple’s second-largest acquisition after the $3 billion Beats purchase in 2014.
Q.ai was founded in 2022 by Aviad Maizels, Yonatan Wexler, and Avi Barliya in Tel Aviv. The company raised $24.5 million in early 2023 from investors including Kleiner Perkins, Google Ventures, Spark Capital, Exor, and Matter Venture Partners. The startup has operated largely in stealth mode with approximately 100 employees.
According to Apple, Q.ai develops machine learning applications that transform audio and communication experiences. The technology includes systems for understanding whispered speech and improving audio performance in challenging environments. Patent applications filed by Q.ai show technology that uses facial skin micromovements to detect mouthed or spoken words, identify people, and assess emotions and vital signs.
Apple stated the technology could enhance communication with wearable devices like AirPods and the Vision Pro headset, and improve interaction with the Siri assistant. Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, called Q.ai “a remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning.”
For Maizels, this represents a second exit to Apple. In 2013, Apple acquired his previous company PrimeSense for approximately $350 million. That technology helped Apple develop its FaceID facial recognition system. All three Q.ai co-founders will join Apple.
Sources: CTech, Financial Times, Reuters
