Apple’s Secret 3D Move: Acquisition of Israeli Startup TrueMeeting Revealed

Apple’s Growing Bet on Real-Time 3D Technology

Apple has quietly taken another significant step in strengthening its 3D technology capabilities by acquiring the Israeli startup TrueMeeting, a company focused on real-time, responsive 3D avatars. Although the acquisition occurred earlier in the year, it flew under the radar until the Israeli Competition Authority approved the deal in January, bringing the strategic move into public knowledge.

TrueMeeting—previously known as CommonGround AI—was founded by Amir Bassan-Eskenazi and Rani Oz, both of whom were also responsible for BigBand Networks, a company that had its IPO on Nasdaq in 2007. With around \$45 million in funding from notable investors like Grove Ventures and Matrix Partners, TrueMeeting developed innovative technology that enables users to scan their faces with a smartphone and generate high-quality 3D avatars in real time for video applications.

The acquisition reinforces Apple’s push into the augmented and virtual reality domains, aligning with its broader R\&D efforts based in Israel. Apple’s Israeli innovation journey began in 2011 with the \$400 million purchase of Anobit Technologies, a startup that specialized in flash memory optimization chips. These chips were eventually integrated into iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.

Further consolidating its presence, Apple acquired PrimeSense in 2013 for \$345 million. PrimeSense was the technological backbone behind Microsoft’s Kinect system, which transformed motion and facial expression into interactive digital input using a combination of 3D sensors and algorithms.

In subsequent years, Apple continued its acquisition spree in Israel with:

LinX Computational Imaging in 2015, enhancing multi-lens camera technologies.

RealFace in 2017, which contributed to Face ID’s facial recognition system.
Camerai in 2019, which advanced Apple’s computer vision and AR graphics.

The addition of TrueMeeting further cements Israel as a strategic tech hub for Apple’s next-gen technologies, especially in immersive communication and 3D representation.

What Undercode Say:

Apple’s quiet acquisition of TrueMeeting isn’t just a startup purchase—it’s a statement. This move signifies Apple’s commitment to positioning itself as a dominant force in next-generation digital communication, particularly in the spatial computing realm, where avatars, AI, and immersive presence define the user experience.

What’s notable is TrueMeeting’s focus on real-time facial capture with smartphones—a tech stack that fits neatly into Apple’s hardware ecosystem. With the launch of the Vision Pro headset, Apple has shown a clear vision of the future, where digital interactions merge seamlessly with real-world presence. Imagine FaceTime calls with hyper-realistic avatars mirroring your emotions and expressions—that’s what TrueMeeting’s technology could help Apple achieve.

The acquisition also hints at Apple’s defensive strategy: keep innovative technologies in-house and out of competitors’ hands. By locking in TrueMeeting, Apple not only gets access to groundbreaking avatar rendering systems but also prevents the likes of Meta, Google, or Samsung from doing the same.

Strategically, Apple is leveraging Israel not only as a research hub but as an acquisition goldmine. This makes perfect sense. The Israeli startup ecosystem is renowned for fast innovation cycles, particularly in computer vision, AI, and chip design—fields crucial to the future of AR/VR.

Moreover, Apple’s acquisitions in Israel have consistently led to tangible product enhancements: from faster memory with Anobit, to 3D sensing via PrimeSense, to secure facial recognition through RealFace. It’s a blueprint Apple is repeating here—with TrueMeeting feeding into what may be a new form of digital identity powered by iOS and Apple Vision.

TrueMeeting’s low-latency 3D modeling, combined with Apple’s silicon power and ecosystem control, may give birth to avatar-based UI/UX for enterprise, education, gaming, or even therapy sessions in mixed-reality environments. As Apple moves towards ambient computing, every acquisition like this serves as another building block in making devices disappear and experiences feel human again.

In short, TrueMeeting could be the silent enabler of a more human-centered, emotionally intelligent Apple interface—one that redefines the digital meeting from a flat Zoom grid to a 3D, expressive interaction.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ The acquisition of TrueMeeting was confirmed by the Israeli Competition Authority in January 2025.
✅ TrueMeeting is formerly known as CommonGround AI and specializes in 3D avatar tech.
✅ Apple has a history of strategic Israeli acquisitions, including Anobit, PrimeSense, LinX, RealFace, and Camerai.

📊 Prediction:

Within the next 12–18 months, Apple is likely to introduce personalized 3D avatars for FaceTime or Vision Pro users, powered by TrueMeeting’s technology. This will mark a transition toward expressive, real-time communication where your avatar—not just your voice—becomes your digital identity. In tandem, Apple may integrate this tech into developer tools, enabling third-party apps to build on avatar-based interactions. Expect immersive FaceTime and AR presence to become a core part of iOS and VisionOS updates by 2026.