It emerged later that Apple has pursued a deal to secure the technology and staff of Swiss AI audio startup Samplab. The move is seen as an effort to strengthen competitiveness in creative software by securing AI technology specialized in music production and editing.

On Oct. 19, IT media outlet 9to5Mac reported that an EU list of disclosed corporate acquisitions related to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) revealed details of a deal Apple and Samplab signed in June. The disclosure said Apple would acquire some of Samplab’s assets through a subsidiary and plans to employ some staff by offering them jobs. The acquisition price and the number of hires were not disclosed.

Samplab has developed AI-based music editing technology. It has highlighted as a core function the ability to edit existing audio files like MIDI data. MIDI is a data format that contains performance information such as pitch and length.

Samplab’s technology supports detecting and editing chords in music, or automatically matching the tempo and key of different audio samples. It introduced that individual notes can be edited by using stem separation technology that separates vocals and instruments from completed tracks.

Samplab’s website currently redirects to Apple’s website. Most posts on its social media and YouTube channels also appear to have been removed. Apple did not state an official position on the deal.

This is not the first time Apple has secured AI audio technology. Recently, a deal was also disclosed in which Apple recruited some staff and secured technology usage rights from Huxe, a startup founded by developers of Google’s NotebookLM. Huxe has developed technology that uses AI to generate personalized audio briefings and podcast-style content.

The industry has raised the possibility that Samplab’s technology could be used in Apple’s music production programs Logic Pro and GarageBand, and its video editing program Final Cut Pro.