Apple Acquires Israeli AI Audio Startup Q.ai

Apple has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli company specializing in artificial intelligence-based audio technology. The acquisition was completed on Thursday, according to official statements.

Apple did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. However, sources familiar with the matter estimate Q.ai’s value at approximately $1.6 billion.

Q.ai had previously received funding from major investment firms. These include Matter Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Spark Capital, Exor, and GV.

Advanced AI Audio Technology

Apple has not yet revealed how it plans to integrate Q.ai’s technology into its products. Still, the company highlighted Q.ai’s innovative use of machine learning.

The technology allows devices to accurately understand spoken words even in noisy environments. It can also significantly enhance recorded audio quality in challenging sound conditions.

Facial Micro-Movement Recognition

Last year, Q.ai filed a patent application for a technology known as “facial skin micro movements.” This system analyzes tiny movements on a person’s face.

The technology can identify spoken words even without audible sound. It can also recognize individuals and analyze emotional states. In addition, it can detect heart rate and breathing patterns.

Q.ai Team Joins Apple

All 100 employees of Q.ai will join Apple. This includes Chief Executive Officer Aviad Maizels and co-founders Yonatan Wexler and Avi Barliya.

Both companies confirmed the staff transition in a joint announcement.

A Familiar Partnership with Apple

This is not the first time Aviad Maizels has worked with Apple. In 2013, he founded PrimeSense, which Apple later acquired.

PrimeSense technology played a key role in Apple’s shift from fingerprint authentication to facial recognition. It contributed to the development of Face ID on iPhones.

Apple’s Growing Focus on Artificial Intelligence

Apple continues to expand artificial intelligence across its devices. These include AirPods, where AI-powered features are already in use.

Last year, Apple introduced real-time language translation in AirPods. The feature allows users to understand multiple languages instantly.

The acquisition of Q.ai signals Apple’s long-term commitment to advancing AI-driven audio and biometric technologies.