Apple(US:AAPL) 3 6 Ke·2025-10-14 00:59Core Insights - Apple is in the final stages of negotiations to acquire Prompt AI, a startup in the computer vision field, marking a significant move in its AI strategy since the $3 billion acquisition of Beats Electronics in 2014 [1][3] - The acquisition focuses on Prompt AI's core technology and team, aligning with the current trend in Silicon Valley of "acquihire" [3] Acquisition Details - Prompt AI has a small team of 11 employees and was founded in 2023, having raised $5 million in seed funding [4][5] - The company's flagship product, Seemour, is a key focus for Apple, although its commercialization has faced challenges, leading to plans to take the app offline [7][5] - Employees not joining Apple will receive compensation and can apply for other positions within the company, indicating a cautious approach to the acquisition [7] Technology Fit - Seemour's capabilities align well with Apple's HomeKit ecosystem, addressing its shortcomings in home security [8] - The app can accurately identify people and objects, generate scene descriptions, and protect user privacy by processing data locally [8] - The underlying technology of Seemour could support other Apple initiatives, such as AI smart glasses and autonomous driving [8] Acquisition Strategy - Apple's acquisition strategy has historically favored small, focused teams rather than large-scale mergers, allowing for quick integration of technology and talent [9][10] - The company has made several smaller acquisitions to enhance its core products, contrasting with competitors like Meta and Google, which pursue larger, more integrated deals [10][14] Industry Context - The acquisition reflects a broader trend in Silicon Valley where tech giants are increasingly opting for talent acquisition to bolster their AI capabilities [11][14] - Apple's approach emphasizes precise adaptation to its existing ecosystem rather than broad coverage, focusing on specific needs in areas like HomeKit, AR, and autonomous driving [14][15]