Apple acquires Swiss audio tech firm

Apple has acquired Samplab, a Swiss company that uses artificial intelligence to manipulate audio recordings. The acquisition, reported by AppleInsider, may bring new tools to Apple's Logic Pro software, enabling it to modify notes in existing recordings.

Samplab’s AI audio tools

Founded in 2020 in Zurich, Samplab created tools that analyze and modify audio recordings. Its software could identify chords and change specific notes without needing the original MIDI files, useful for fixing errors or altering music without re-recording sections. It also offered technology to separate instruments in a recording.

Acquisition details and company closure

The acquisition occurred on June 17, according to the European register of acquisitions. Apple used an unnamed subsidiary to buy some of Samplab’s assets and offered to hire part of its staff. The transaction amount is unknown. Samplab later closed its service and refunded annual subscription balances, with its website now redirecting to Apple’s.

Future use of Samplab’s technology

It remains unclear how Apple will use Samplab’s tools. They could enhance Logic Pro’s track separation features, allowing individual notes to be edited. No official integration has been announced, and it is unknown if new features will be available to all Logic Pro users or only to those in Apple Creator Studio, a subscription service for creative apps.