Apple acquires German eye tracking company.

Johnson Cherian.

Apple on Tuesday confirmed its acquisition of SensoMotoric Instruments, a German computer vision company specialising in augmented reality (AR) and eye tracking, media reported.

Apple essentially confirmed the deal, offering the standard statement it gives when it buys companies, reported Axios.com.

“Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” Apple was quoted as saying.

Apple also unveiled its new ARKit platform at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month to allow developers to build new apps that could place virtual content on top of real-world scenes.

Given Apple’s increasing focus on augmented reality applications, this acquisition could help it further develop software for future versions of the iPhone or other devices.