Apple has acquired Israeli artificial intelligence startup Q.ai in a deal estimated at around $1.5-1.6 billion, marking one of the company’s biggest acquisitions.
Apple confirmed the acquisition in January 2026, although it did not officially disclose the purchase price. This acquisition is also significant for Apple’s deal history as it is considered the company’s second-largest acquisition, after its $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014.
Q.ai, founded in 2022, develops machine learning technology for audio and communication. Its work includes systems that can understand whispered speech and improve sound quality in difficult environments. Patent filings linked to the company also describe technology that can detect tiny movements of facial skin and muscles to interpret speech without relying on audible sound.
The technology could eventually help Apple devices understand silent or low-volume speech. It may have potential uses in products such as AirPods, Vision Pro and Siri, although Apple has not confirmed specific plans for Q.ai’s technology.
Q.ai CEO Aviad Maizels and co-founders Yonatan Wexler and Avi Barliya are joining Apple. Maizels previously founded PrimeSense, another Israeli company Apple acquired in 2013.
