Apple has reportedly secured the acquisition of Q, an audio artificial intelligence startup, for an estimated $2 billion, according to reporting from the Financial Times. This transaction positions the deal as Apple’s second most significant acquisition, trailing only the $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014. The transaction underscores Apple’s accelerating investment in advanced, low-latency AI interfaces.
Q specializes in pioneering technology that detects subtle facial movements, enabling interaction with digital assistants without audible speech. The core intellectual property involves patents for optical sensor technology designed to recognize these minute skin movements. This capability suggests a pathway for devices like future AirPods or augmented reality glasses to receive silent, intended commands.
While Apple did not publicly disclose the financial terms, the $2 billion valuation reported by the Financial Times highlights the strategic importance of Q's capabilities. Apple hardware executive Johnny Srouji commented via Reuters that Q is a "remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning."
The founders of Q, including CEO Aviad Maizels, are expected to join Apple’s engineering teams. Maizels previously founded PrimeSense, the company whose technology formed the basis for Apple’s Face ID system following its 2013 acquisition. This history suggests a strong track record of successful integration into Apple's core product lines.
This silent speech capability could significantly enhance the utility of Apple Intelligence, especially within generative AI upgrades planned for Siri. The technology could allow users to interact discreetly with their devices—iPhone, Mac, or Vision Pro—in environments where speaking is impractical or inappropriate.
Google Ventures previously backed Q, and Managing Partner Tom Hulme noted the potential for this technology to facilitate a future where computers seamlessly integrate into daily life. This aligns with broader industry trends moving toward ambient computing interfaces that require less overt user input.
Looking forward, the integration of Q’s visual machine learning expertise suggests Apple is prioritizing multimodal input methods beyond traditional voice and touch. This move solidifies Apple’s commitment to developing proprietary, deeply integrated AI hardware experiences over reliance on external software solutions.
