Apple has struck a deal to acquire talent and technology from Prompt AI, a startup focused on computer vision. This move, announced in recent days, aims to strengthen Apple’s smart home features through its HomeKit platform and upcoming security cameras.
Details of the Acquisition
Apple completed the acquisition of key assets from Prompt AI in early October 2025. The deal brings in a team of experts and advanced tech to Apple’s fold.
Sources indicate the agreement focuses on integrating Prompt AI’s computer vision tools into Apple’s ecosystem. Founded in 2023 by researchers from UC Berkeley, Prompt AI raised five million dollars in seed funding.
The startup developed the Seemour app, which uses AI to analyze home camera footage in real time. Apple outbid rivals like Elon Musk’s xAI to secure this talent.
This acqui-hire fits Apple’s pattern of small, strategic buys to fuel innovation without major regulatory hurdles.
What Prompt AI Offers Apple
Prompt AI specializes in AI that recognizes objects, faces, and activities in videos. Their tech generates summaries of events and answers user questions about footage.
For Apple, this means better features for HomeKit devices, such as smarter security cameras with facial recognition and privacy safeguards.
The Seemour app will shut down soon, with user data deleted to meet privacy standards. Employees from Prompt AI can join Apple or receive support to find new roles.
- Real-time detection of people, pets, and unusual movements.
- Text-based summaries of video recordings for quick reviews.
- Query responses, like identifying who entered a room.
This tech could enhance Apple’s plans for AI powered home hubs.
Boosting HomeKit and Security Cameras
Apple aims to rival Amazon’s Ring and Google’s Nest with its own home security camera. The device, expected in 2026, will include infrared sensors and advanced AI.
Integrating Prompt AI’s tools will allow for more accurate activity detection while keeping data private on device.
HomeKit, Apple’s smart home framework, already supports lights, locks, and thermostats. This acquisition adds vision capabilities to make it more competitive.
Users might see features like automatic alerts for specific events, such as a package delivery or a pet’s behavior.
Recent tests show Apple’s camera prototype emphasizes end to end encryption, addressing privacy concerns in smart homes.
Market Competition and Trends
Tech giants are racing to dominate the smart home market, valued at over 150 billion dollars in 2025. Apple trails Amazon and Google but is catching up.
This deal follows Apple’s push into AI with Apple Intelligence, launched earlier this year. It beats out competitors like xAI, showing Apple’s aggressive stance.
Other firms, such as Meta and Google, have made similar talent grabs to advance AI. Apple’s approach keeps deals small to avoid antitrust issues.
| Company | Recent AI Acquisition | Focus Area | Deal Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Prompt AI | Computer Vision for Home | Undisclosed |
| Character.AI | AI Chatbots | 2.7 billion dollars | |
| Meta | Scale AI investment | Data Labeling | 14.3 billion dollars |
| Amazon | Anthropic stake | Generative AI | 4 billion dollars |
This table highlights the trend of AI investments in tech.
Broader market growth includes rising demand for secure, AI driven home devices amid increasing home automation adoption.
Future Implications for Users
Looking ahead, this acquisition could lead to more intuitive smart home experiences. Imagine a HomeKit camera that not only watches but understands and reports on your home.
Apple’s robotic arm project and mobile robots might also benefit from this tech. Experts predict faster innovation in AI for everyday devices.
Consumers gain from enhanced privacy and seamless integration with iPhones and other Apple products.
As Apple expands, it sets the stage for a more connected future. Share your thoughts on how this might change your smart home setup, and comment below on what features you want next.
