Apple confirmed on Thursday it Acquires Israeli AI Startup q.ai in Deal Estimated at $1.5 Billion

Apple confirmed on Thursday that it has acquired Israeli artificial intelligence startup q.ai, in a transaction estimated at approximately $1.5 billion. The purchase price was not officially disclosed.

The acquisition marks the second exit to Apple for q.ai founder and CEO Aviad Maysles. In 2013, Apple acquired PrimeSense, Maysles’ previous company, in a deal valued at an estimated $350 million. Maysles founded q.ai in 2022 shortly after leaving Apple, together with Dr. Jonathan Wechsler, formerly of Orcam, and artificial intelligence researcher Dr. Avi Barlia.

 Investors in q.ai include venture capital

Investors in q.ai include venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, Google’s Sigon Capital Fund, and the funds Aleph, Matter, Exor, and Corner Ventures. The company has operated largely in stealth mode, and limited details about its product have been made public.

Apple said q.ai develops machine learning technologies designed to enhance audio and communication experiences, including whisper-like speech and improved audio performance in challenging environments. According to patents filed by the company, its technologies include systems capable of interpreting subtle facial and muscle movements using wearable computing, decoding “silent speech” from muscle activity alone, and detecting minute muscle movements via head-mounted devices.

The technologies are expected to support future communication features in Apple wearable products such as AirPods and the Vision Pro headset, and to enhance interaction with Apple’s voice assistant, Siri.

“At Apple, we are focused on developing the most innovative technologies that enable the creation of the best products in the world,” said Johnny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, in a statement. “q.ai is an extraordinary company, pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning technologies.”

Maysles said the company’s team combined advanced machine learning with physics to develop novel communication technologies, adding that joining Apple would enable the technology to reach its full potential.