Apple has recently acquired Datakalab, a startup based in Paris, France that specializes in artificial intelligence compression and computer vision technology. The acquisition was reportedly finalized in December, as reported by French business magazine Challenges.
Described as industry leaders in compression and adaptation to deploy embedded computer vision that is fast, cost-effective, and precise, Datakalab had between 10 and 20 employees before being acquired by Apple. The French technology company primarily focuses on developing computer image analysis algorithms to measure flows in public spaces while ensuring privacy with anonymized statistical data processed locally in 100ms.
Datakalab collaborated with the French government in 2020 to introduce AI tools into Paris transportation systems to monitor mask-wearing compliance. They have also worked with companies like Disney in the past. Although neither Apple nor DatakaLab have confirmed the acquisition, it was reported to the European Commission in the recent past. Datakalab held multiple patents related to AI compression and vision technology.
The acquisition aligns with Apple’s plans to introduce AI features in iOS 18 this year. Datakalab’s advanced vision-based technology could support Apple’s Vision Pro ambitions in the future, including contributions to facial recognition technology for products like Photos and Face ID. Some employees from Datakalab have joined Apple, although the founders did not make the move.
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