Apple has acquired Israeli startup TrueMeeting, which specializes in creating realistic 3D avatars for video calls and augmented reality, to integrate the technology into its Vision Pro smart glasses launched in 2024. Although the acquisition took place in January, Apple only recently disclosed the deal. The company is currently working on incorporating TrueMeeting’s technology into the “Personas” feature of the Vision Pro glasses.
TrueMeeting was founded by veteran entrepreneurs Amir Bassan-Eskanazi and Ran Oz, who have previously collaborated with video technology companies such as Optibase, Vcon, and BigBand.
The technology allows users to scan their faces via phone and create digital avatars that reflect real-time facial expressions, gestures, and body movements. This helps bridge the gap between face-to-face meetings and online Zoom calls. Apple plans to add this technology to the Vision Pro’s “Personas” feature, enabling users to appear in virtual spaces as personalized avatars. Currently, Apple’s system has faced criticism for lacking realism and not accurately representing users.
Prior to the acquisition, TrueMeeting raised $45 million in funding from investors including Grove Ventures, StageOne Ventures, Matrix Partners, and private investors such as Gil Shwed, founder of Check Point. Approximately 20 TrueMeeting employees have joined Apple’s development center in Israel. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
This acquisition highlights Apple’s growing interest in augmented reality and virtual avatar technologies and its ambition to strengthen its leadership position in this field.
