Apple Buys Israeli AI Startup That Interprets Facial Movements

Apple Inc. has acquired Israel-based artificial intelligence startup Q.ai, which develops technology for reading facial movements and understanding silent communication.

The under-the-radar company was co-founded by Aviad Maizels, one of the creators of a startup Apple acquired a decade ago to develop Face ID. The new technology could help Apple enhance audio products and AI features like Siri.

Apple didn’t disclose an acquisition price Thursday, but the deal marks one of the few recent notable takeovers by the iPhone maker. The Financial Times put the valuation at close to $2 billion.

Johny Srouji, who oversees Apple’s custom silicon ...