Apple Reportedly Acquires Israel’s Facial Recognition Firm RealFace

Apple is apparently going all out for its next-generation iPhone. Latest reports suggest Apple has bought Israeli startup RealFace, who specializes in facial recognition technology, adding weight to recent rumors claiming that the new iPhone will boast facial recognition.

(RealFace/ LEDinside)

According to AppleInsider, the deal costs Apple USD 2 million, or a couple million dollars. RealFace, formed in 2014, previously developed a facial recognition app called Pickeez, which selected users’ best photos from different platforms using its facial recognition software.

The RealFace software integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and is said to use proprietary IP to provide “frictionless face recognition and effective learnings from facial features,” according to the company. With advanced deep learning methods, the software can achieve automated on-boarding and mobile conversion optimization.

Apple has not responded to related reports, but according to Startup Nation Central, a database for Israeli tech companies, Apple did acquire RealFace this month. RealFace's website is currently offline and contact information is unavailable.

There have been rumors claiming that the proposed “iPhone 8” and other possible new models will be equipped with a front-facing 3D laser scanner for facial recognition, possibly replacing the current Touch ID fingerprint scanner. However, it is currently unknown whether any of RealFace’s technology will feature on the new iPhone models.

If the acquisition is true, RealFace would be the fourth Israeli company that Apple has snapped up. In 2011, Apple bought Anobit, a flash memory maker, then in 2013 it acquired 3D sensor firm PrimeSense and camera technology company LinX in 2015.

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