Apple has acquired the AI startup Datakalab from France, with the deal being kept undisclosed since its inception in December last year. The acquisition was recently revealed by the European competition watchdog. Datakalab is an AI company that focuses on developing efficient algorithms, emphasizing low energy consumption and reducing reliance on cloud connectivity for processing. This aligns with recent reports suggesting Apple’s interest in implementing on-device AI in iOS 18, allowing for processing without the need for external cloud connections, thereby enhancing user privacy. Prior to this acquisition, Datakalab had key clients such as Disney and the French government, using AI models for tasks like analyzing emotions from facial expressions, utilized for gathering viewer behavior data while watching movies.
TLDR: Apple’s acquisition of Datakalab, a French AI startup, underscores their commitment to on-device AI processing and user privacy, aligning with their reported interest in implementing similar technology in iOS 18.
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