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Apple acquires Israeli audio AI startup Q.ai

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Apple said it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup focused on artificial intelligence for audio applications. Apple did not disclose financial terms, but a source familiar with the deal said the transaction valued Q.ai at around $1.6 billion. The startup was backed by several major venture capital firms.

Apple said Q.ai has developed machine learning techniques that help devices understand whispered speech and improve audio quality in difficult environments. The company did not specify how the technology will be integrated, but the acquisition aligns with Apple’s broader push to enhance AI-driven experiences across its hardware products, including wearables.

Q.ai has also filed patents related to detecting subtle facial skin micromovements to interpret speech, identity, and certain physiological indicators. Around 100 Q.ai employees, including its leadership team, will join Apple as part of the deal. Apple executives said the acquisition strengthens its long-term capabilities in imaging, audio, and machine learning.

Tower Semiconductor Raises Forecasts on AI and Data Center Demand Surge

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Tower Semiconductor, the Israeli-based contract chipmaker, forecast fourth-quarter revenue above market expectations, driven by booming demand for chips used in data centers and AI infrastructure. The announcement sent the company’s U.S.-listed shares up 15%, reaching their highest level in over two decades after a 63% surge this year.

The company said it expects revenue of around $440 million, plus or minus 5%, surpassing analysts’ estimates of $434.4 million, according to LSEG data.

CEO Russell Ellwanger attributed the growth to strong demand for Tower’s analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, which are widely used in automotive, industrial, and communications technologies. He added that the company’s Silicon-Germanium and Silicon Photonics technologies — essential for high-speed optical data transmission — are key growth drivers as global data center expansion accelerates.

Tower also announced an additional $300 million investment to expand its manufacturing capacity and advance next-generation chip capabilities across Israel, the United States, Italy, and Japan.

For the third quarter ended September 30, Tower reported revenue of $395.7 million, slightly above forecasts, and adjusted earnings of 55 cents per share, topping estimates of 54 cents.

The results highlight the semiconductor industry’s ongoing shift toward AI-driven infrastructure, where specialized chips for data transmission and network performance are becoming vital to global tech ecosystems.

Nvidia’s Planned Major Expansion in Israel Sparks Wide Interest from Potential Sites

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Nvidia, the world’s leading AI chipmaker and the first company to reach a $4 trillion valuation, is seeking to dramatically expand its operations in Israel to meet surging demand for AI data centers. The Santa Clara-based firm issued a request for information (RFI) this week to acquire land for a new campus near its existing facility in northern Israel, with the project expected to cost billions and generate thousands of jobs, according to multiple sources.

Nvidia entered the Israeli market in 2020 by acquiring Mellanox Technologies for nearly $7 billion. Its existing site is located in Yokne’am, a technology hub near Haifa. Nvidia declined to comment beyond confirming the RFI request.

One source, speaking anonymously, revealed that the company has received “dozens and dozens and dozens” of site offers from municipalities and other entities, many not near Haifa, reflecting broad local enthusiasm to host the expansion. The deadline for offers is July 23, with Nvidia planning a campus covering up to 180,000 square meters.

The Haifa municipality stated it is preparing a competitive offer, asserting it has the “best potential” for Nvidia’s new campus.

The planned expansion reflects a broader race among tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, and Tesla to build AI data centers and capture leadership in emerging AI technology. This surge is driving increased demand for Nvidia’s advanced processors.

Industry insiders emphasize Israel’s critical role in the AI era, making rapid expansion necessary for Nvidia. Since acquiring Mellanox, Nvidia’s Israeli operations have nearly tripled in size and reportedly contributed $13 billion in revenue last year, though the company has not publicly confirmed this figure.

In addition to acquisitions, Nvidia has built Israel’s most powerful AI supercomputer, which served as a blueprint for Elon Musk’s Colossus supercomputer. The company employs approximately 5,000 people in Israel.

Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, described the planned campus as “massive,” potentially housing thousands of employees. He said Nvidia’s expansion signals a long-term commitment and strong confidence in Israel.

Nvidia’s expansion plans contrast with rival Intel, which has been present in Israel since 1974 and employs 9,350 workers but is currently implementing global workforce reductions. Reports suggest a few hundred Intel workers in Israel may be affected, though Intel declined to provide specific numbers.