Apple Buys Brain Sensor Startup Sonera Magnetics Amid Healthcare Focus

Apple has quietly acquired Sonera Magnetics, a privately held brain sensor company, for an undisclosed amount. The purchase occurred in early May but was only recently disclosed due to the European Union's new Digital Markets Act.

Sonera Magnetics is a small company with around 10 employees and had previously raised $20 million in funding from various investors, including an $11 million seed round in 2023. The company's technology involves chip-based magnetic sensors that can read brain activity by measuring magnetic fields.

The acquisition comes as Apple continues to focus on healthcare-related technologies, following previous purchases of health and biologics companies. This could potentially be used in conjunction with the company's iPhone and other devices, although no specific plans have been announced.