Apple has unveiled a suite of new AI features across its devices in a strategic move to catch up with industry leaders Microsoft and Google, who are rapidly advancing in AI technology adoption. The announcement, made earlier this week, highlights Apple’s commitment to integrating AI into its ecosystem while maintaining a strong emphasis on privacy.
Apple’s new AI features are designed to enhance user experiences across its apps and operating systems. The company has also entered into a partnership with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT technology into its devices. Apple claims that its AI technology is built with privacy at its core, utilizing a combination of on-device processing and cloud computing to ensure secure and efficient performance.
However, this collaboration has sparked controversy, particularly with tech mogul Elon Musk. On Monday, Musk announced that he would ban Apple devices from his companies if the iPhone maker integrates OpenAI at the operating system level, citing unacceptable security concerns. “That is an unacceptable security violation,” Musk stated on X, the social media platform he owns. He further mentioned that visitors to his companies would have to store their Apple devices in a Faraday cage at the door.
Musk’s criticism extends to questioning Apple’s AI capabilities. “It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!” he exclaimed on X.
Despite Musk’s strong stance, industry experts believe that his directive is unlikely to be widely adopted. Ben Bajarin, CEO of consulting firm Creative Strategies, noted that Apple is striving to educate consumers about the security of private cloud data. According to Bajarin, Apple ensures that when user data transitions to its secure private cloud, it maintains the same level of anonymization and firewall protection as on-device data. “Apple really never sees that [data],” he explained.
Apple and OpenAI have not responded to requests for comment regarding Musk’s statements.
This confrontation comes against the backdrop of Musk’s ongoing legal and business endeavors related to AI. Earlier this year, Musk sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that they had strayed from the startup’s original mission to develop AI for the benefit of humanity. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, has since launched his own AI initiative, xAI, aiming to create an alternative to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. xAI recently raised $6 billion in series B funding, valuing the startup at $24 billion.
VIDEO: Apple has unveiled its suite of new AI features for its devices as it seeks to catch up to Microsoft and Google who are racing ahead in adopting the white-hot technology.#AFPVertical pic.twitter.com/1TKHz6XJZN
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 12, 2024
As Apple moves forward with its AI integration, the tech landscape continues to be shaped by these high-stakes rivalries and evolving partnerships.