- Huxe announced on May 21, 2026, that it was winding down, which included removing its app from the App Store and Play Store, halting service on May 28, and deleting user data on May 29.
- Apple notified the European Commission on June 9, 2026, of its deal to hire certain Huxe employees and license Huxe's intellectual property.
- The European Commission's Digital Markets Act register entry dated June 9, 2026, confirms that Apple will have the right to make employment offers and receive a non-exclusive license to Huxe's intellectual property rights.
- Huxe was founded by developers who previously worked on NotebookLM, and its app provided personalized audio content.
- Huxe's shutdown announcement came just a day after Apple's notification to the European Commission, suggesting a strategic move to enhance its Podcasts app.
Apple's recent agreement with Huxe marks a strategic move to enhance its podcasting capabilities. Huxe, which was founded by former NotebookLM developers, announced its shutdown on May 21, 2026, ceasing app services and deleting user data by May 29.124
The deal allows Apple to make employment offers to certain Huxe employees and obtain a non-exclusive license for Huxe's AI audio technology. However, details regarding the number of employees involved or Apple's specific plans for the technology remain undisclosed.5
Huxe's closure was abrupt, with the team expressing gratitude to users for their support, stating, “The fact that you used it, told friends about it, sent us your suggestions and your ideas, made it feel like we built it together.” The startup's app was removed from both the Apple and Google stores, and the company confirmed that it would not continue product development.
The European Commission's filing on June 9 did not specify which employees received offers or if they accepted. This acquisition strategy aligns with Apple's ongoing efforts to bolster its podcasting platform, potentially integrating Huxe's technology to enhance user experience.
The Huxe entry in the Digital Markets Act list indicates that Apple will not acquire Huxe's shares or assets, but rather focus on hiring talent and licensing technology.
As Apple continues to expand its audio offerings, this deal could signify a significant step towards improving its podcasting services.
“Huxe was founded by former NotebookLM team members Raiza Martin, Jason Spielman, and Stephen Hughes, and its app was removed from stores on May 21 with service ending May 28. The European Commission register entry does not disclose how many employees received offers or whether any accepted.”
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