Apple's Extensive R&D Presence and Acquisitions in Israel's Tech Sector

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:21:00 +0200

Apple maintains deep technological connections with Israel, highlighted by its second-largest research and development center worldwide in Tel Aviv, employing around 2,500 people. This facility has contributed significantly to products like the MacBook, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro, particularly in areas such as eye tracking and retina scanning. Apple has also made numerous acquisitions of Israeli companies to enhance its hardware and software capabilities. Key purchases include Anobit for flash memory technology used in iPhones, PrimeSense for motion-sensing tech that influenced Face ID, LinX for camera improvements, and Camerai for augmented reality features. The most recent acquisition, Q.AI, valued as Apple's second-biggest deal after Beats, focuses on AI that analyzes subtle facial expressions and micromovements for non-verbal communication, potentially advancing wearable devices like headphones and glasses that interpret user intent without spoken commands. Critics note that