🍎🤖 Apple has acquired Israeli AI startup Q.ai for $1.5 billion, one of its largest deals, as they push to strengthen the company’s AI capabilities. Q.ai is known for patented “silent speech” and audio-AI technology that lets devices respond to subtle voice patterns and non-verbal audio cues. The technology could eventually enhance interaction across iPhones, Macs, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro, including hands-free controls, accessibility features, and new AR/VR experiences. The acquisition also reflects Apple’s strategy of developing more proprietary AI technology rather than relying heavily on third-party platforms, potentially giving it greater control over privacy, security, and product differentiation. With Google, Microsoft, and Meta heavily investing in AI, Apple’s move could accelerate competition for AI talent, startups, hardware, and next-generation interfaces. The exact plans for Q.ai’s technology remain undisclosed, but the deal signals that Apple sees AI-driven dev...