Apple’s AI startup shopping spree outpaces Google and Meta
Apple's been quietly buying up AI startups like crazy, with over 30 acquisitions last year.
The Apple logo is seen hanging at the entrance to the Apple store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York, U.S., October 16, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
Apple has long been quietly acquiring artificial intelligence startups to bolster its AI capabilities across its products and services. This strategy continued strongly in 2023, with Apple purchasing up to 32 AI companies last year according to estimates from Stocklytics which sourced their data from a Statista report.
This figure puts Apple well ahead of other major tech giants in terms of AI startup acquisitions. Google acquired 21 AI startups in 2023, Facebook-owner Meta purchased 18, while Microsoft trailed with 17 acquisitions according to the report.