Apple buys French AI company specializing in on-device processing

Datakalab specializes in compressing algorithms and embedded AI systems. The purchase, which took place on December 17th last year, was carried out in silence but was discovered in a document held by the European Commission by the French site Challenges. While the financial details of the transaction remain unknown, the move is most certainly part of Apple’s broader AI strategy that is expected to be introduced in iOS 18.

Founded in 2016 by Xavier and Lucas Fischer, Datakalab made significant advances in AI technology focusing on low-power and high-efficiency deep learning algorithms, which operate without relying on cloud-based servers. The approach is consistent with Apple’s philosophy of protecting user privacy, data security and performance, as processing data locally minimizes the risk of data breaches and provides faster response. Datakalab’s expertise in compressing neural networks to work efficiently on portable devices like smartphones and tablets is likely to be a key factor in Apple’s strategy.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple’s LLM (Large Language Model) will run entirely on-device, rather than through the cloud like most existing AI services.

Before Apple bought Datakalab, they were involved in various projects, including collaborations with the French government and Disney. The company developed technology capable of analyzing human emotions through facial recognition and visual data, which was later used to monitor audience reactions in real time during movie screenings.