Apple has quietly purchased two artificial intelligence companies, TrueMeeting and WhyLabs, as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen AI technology in its products. Regulatory filings show the deals were officially recorded in January 2025, though industry experts believe they closed in late 2024.
These acquisitions aim to improve Apple’s Vision Pro headset and enhance AI security across its platforms. TrueMeeting specializes in creating hyper-realistic digital avatars using smartphone scans. Its technology has contributed to major upgrades in Apple Vision Pro’s avatars, making them look more natural and detailed in the latest visionOS update.
WhyLabs, founded by former Amazon engineers, focuses on AI monitoring and security. It offers tools that detect and block AI system risks, such as data leaks and false outputs, aligning with Apple’s strong privacy and security standards.
Neither Apple nor the startups publicly announced the acquisitions, but confirmations came through European Commission filings and updates from involved parties. WhyLabs was valued at around $37 million after a 2021 funding round backed by investors including Jeff Bezos’ venture fund.
These deals are part of Apple’s larger AI strategy. In 2023, Apple acquired 32 AI startups, outpacing other tech giants like Google and Microsoft. The company focuses on buying early-stage firms with advanced AI technologies that support its priority on on-device processing and user privacy.
TrueMeeting’s avatar technology addresses early criticisms of Vision Pro’s digital personas, which users found “uncanny” in appearance. Meanwhile, WhyLabs’ security tools will be vital as Apple rolls out AI features on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Apple’s expanding presence in Seattle, where WhyLabs is based, supports the company’s investment in AI talent and innovation in the region.
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