Apple acquires German company dedicated to AR and eye tracking

Apple has confirmed that it has acquired a German computer vision company called SensoMotoric Instruments, according to a report from Axios. The company develops eye-tracking technology that can used in virtual and augmented reality headsets.

Apple’s move makes a lot of sense given company’s growing interest on AR applications. It could also help Apple in developing software that can be integrated in coming iPhones or can make it to life as standalone devices.

Apple is yet to officially confirm the deal, as it never opens up about its acquisitions publicly. However, the company representative did hint the acquisition saying "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."

It will be interesting to see how Apple utilises the intellectual property of SensoMotoric Instruments, until then we’ll have to wait to know what type of software or piece of hardware the Cupertino giant might be developing.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has gone on record to express his views about the budding AR technology and how it is hugely impactful. He also believes that AR might be as transformative as the smartphone itself.