Tech Sector: Apple Shows Interest in Acquiring AI Companies
Apple, the tech giant known for its innovative products, is facing delays in making its virtual assistant, Siri, AI-capable. This challenge, however, hasn't deterred the company from pushing forward with its AI roadmap.
In a bid to accelerate this roadmap, Apple has been open to mergers and acquisitions. So far this year, the company has acquired seven companies, though not all of them were in the AI sector. The size of the company being acquired doesn't seem to matter to Apple, as long as it can help advance their AI plans.
Recent internal discussions at Apple suggest the potential acquisition of AI startups Mistral AI and Perplexity, although no confirmed acquisitions have been made as of yet. The latter, Perplexity, recently closed a funding round of $1 billion, increasing its valuation to over $18 billion.
The delays in Siri's AI capabilities have caused Apple's roadmap to fall behind that of its biggest competitor, Meta. Meta, in a move to solidify its lead, announced the development of an artificial general intelligence. Meta's AI ambitions are not just focused on its own gain, as the company intends for this technology to benefit all humans.
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has publicly stated the company's openness to acquiring AI companies. This openness is a response to the loss of four AI experts to Meta, a move that could potentially slow down Apple's AI progress.
Siri, initially planned to gain AI capabilities by 2024, is now expected to be available later, possibly not until 2026. This delay could have significant implications for Apple's position in the AI market, a market where competition is fierce and progress is rapid.
As Apple continues to navigate these challenges, it remains to be seen how the company will fare in the race to develop advanced AI technologies. One thing is certain, however: Apple is committed to accelerating its AI roadmap and staying competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
