Apple Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever This Year

Apple this year acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014.

This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019.

Q.ai reportedly developed AI technology that can "analyze facial expressions" to understand "silent speech," paving the way for "non-verbal discussions" with Siri.

Apple's chipmaking chief Johny Srouji confirmed the acquisition in a statement. He described Q.ai as "a remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning," and he is "excited for what's to come."

Q.ai co-founder Aviad Maizels previously founded another Israeli startup, PrimeSense, which was also acquired by Apple in 2013. Apple used PrimeSense's technology to develop Face ID, which debuted on the iPhone X in 2017.