Apple Inc. has completed the purchase of Q.ai, an Israel-based artificial intelligence startup that builds systems to read facial muscle movements and interpret silent communication. The move reunites Apple with Aviad Maizels, a Q.ai co-founder who previously worked on a startup Apple acquired about ten years ago that contributed to Face ID development.
Apple did not disclose financial terms for the transaction. The Financial Times reported the deal valued Q.ai at nearly $2 billion.
Q.ai’s core technology focuses on analyzing facial muscle activity during speech to derive meaning from non-verbal cues. Apple observers said the capability could be applied to the company’s audio hardware and artificial intelligence products, including enhancements for Siri.
Johny Srouji, who leads Apple’s custom silicon development and oversees the company’s Israeli teams, offered brief public comments to YNet News praising the acquisition. Srouji described Q as "an exceptional company, pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning technologies." He added that Apple is "even more excited about what lies ahead."
Prior to the acquisition, Q.ai had received backing from several prominent venture investors. The startup’s website lists support from Google Ventures, Spark Capital, and Kleiner Perkins.
At the reported price point, the transaction represents Apple’s first sizeable deal in several years. While Apple has remained active on the M&A front, its recent activity has generally focused on securing specific technologies and talent rather than pursuing large-scale acquisitions.
Summary
Apple has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that reads facial movements to understand silent communication. The deal, reported at nearly $2 billion, reunites co-founder Aviad Maizels with Apple and could influence the company’s audio and AI products, including Siri. Johny Srouji praised the acquisition, and Q.ai’s roster of backers included Google Ventures, Spark Capital, and Kleiner Perkins.
Key points
- Apple purchased Israel-based Q.ai, a firm that develops imaging and machine learning technology to interpret facial muscle movements.
- The acquisition brings back Aviad Maizels, who had previously been involved in a startup Apple bought about ten years ago that contributed to Face ID.
- The Financial Times reported the deal valued Q.ai at nearly $2 billion, marking Apple’s first sizeable acquisition in years; the company has generally focused on smaller technology-and-talent deals.
Sectors impacted
- Consumer technology - potential feature and hardware integration.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning - advancements in imaging-based models.
- Venture-backed startups - demonstrated exit for investors listed on Q.ai’s site.
Risks and uncertainties
- Financial terms were not confirmed by Apple; the reported near-$2 billion valuation comes from the Financial Times and was not disclosed by the company.
- How Q.ai’s facial-movement technology will be integrated into Apple products, including audio hardware and Siri, remains unspecified.
- The broader market and regulatory response to the use of imaging and machine learning technologies for interpreting facial movements is not detailed in available statements.