Q.AI

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in February 2022 by Aviad Maizels, Avi Barliya, and Yonatan Wexler, Q.AI operates with 201–500 employees. The company was acquired by Apple in January 2026, marking a significant exit.

Business overview

Q.AI develops advanced audio and vision-based AI technology that decodes facial micro-movements and whispered speech. This innovation creates silent, hands-free interfaces for connected devices, running on wearables such as headphones and smart glasses. The technology enhances audio in noisy environments, enabling users to interact with AI assistants without verbal commands. Q.AI's solutions are designed for device and platform teams seeking to differentiate hardware, unlock new interaction modes, and integrate on-device AI experiences, primarily serving the Business Software sector.

Strategic signal

In January 2026, Q.AI was acquired by Apple for an estimated $1.5 billion to $2 billion, with founders and employees reportedly sharing $1 billion from the exit. This acquisition highlights Apple's strategic focus on advanced vision and hearing-based AI, indicating a significant industry validation of Q.AI's technology and its potential to enhance future AI-driven user interfaces and hardware differentiation.

Company Intelligence Q&A

When was Q.AI acquired and by whom?

Q.AI was acquired by Apple in January 2026.

What was the reported acquisition amount for Q.AI?

Apple acquired Q.AI for a reported amount between $1.5 billion and $2 billion in January 2026.

What is the core technology developed by Q.AI?

Q.AI develops audio and vision-based AI that decodes facial micro-movements and whispered speech to create silent, hands-free interfaces for connected devices.

Which investors participated in Q.AI's funding rounds?

Q.AI received funding from investors including Aleph and Matter Venture Partners.

How many patents has Q.AI registered?

As of January 2026, the founders of Q.AI had registered at least four patents related to their technology.