Apple In Talks To Buy Prompt AI Talent

Apple AAPL is in advanced talks to acquihire Prompt AI's people and technology, CNBC reported from an all hands audio.

Executives at the 11 employee startup told staff that those who do not join Apple would receive a lower salary and urged them to apply for open roles. They asked employees to avoid mentioning Apple while they update families and friends. The team said Seemour will be retired and user data deleted. They also noted that xAI and Neuralink had bid.

Prompt AI raised $5 million in 2023 led by AIX and Abstract Ventures. CEO Tete Xiao is a well known AI researcher. Apple has largely avoided big deals, with Beats at $3 billionn 2014 its last major acquisition. A targeted acquihire fits Apple's pattern of adding talent and tools without large balance sheet swings.

Folding Seemour style computer vision into Apple's stack could speed on device AI features and servicesIn.vestors will watch for Apple confirmation, any hiring disclosures, and timing for Seemour's shutdown.