cross-posted from [email protected]

• Apple has been the leading buyer of AI startups since 2017, acquiring 21 companies, nearly double the number purchased by Microsoft and Meta.
• While other Big Tech companies like Google and Microsoft are vocal about their AI investments, Apple remains relatively quiet, choosing to announce things as they come to market.
• The startups Apple has acquired focus on areas like self-driving technology, voice design, music generation, and image recognition.
• This acquisition strategy contrasts with companies like Microsoft and Google, who are more cautious with acquisitions due to antitrust scrutiny and instead opt for partnerships with startups.
• Apple’s AI investments have contributed to new iPhone features such as personal voice and real-time voicemail transcription.