Apple Inc. has acquired DarwinAI, a startup specializing in computer vision for inspecting manufacturing components, signaling a strategic push into artificial intelligence (AI). While the acquisition terms were not disclosed, it is speculated to be a sub-$100 million deal primarily for talent (acqui-hire) with some intellectual property (IP) involved. This move is part of Apple's broader strategy to enhance its supply chain with immediate applications and develop smaller, edge neural networks. The acquisition has sparked discussions about Apple's potential to introduce a killer feature to the iPhone and outpace Big Tech competitors in AI acquisitions. Reports suggest that Apple has been quietly buying more startups in the AI space than most of its rivals for the past decade, indicating a long-term commitment to integrating AI technologies into its offerings, potentially starting with this year's big iPhone software release. The acquisition might also position Apple to give Gemini Nano a run for its money in the competitive AI landscape.