The possibility of a collaboration between Apple and OpenAI to introduce new artificial intelligence features on iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks has been widely discussed. However, a report from 9To5Mac, referencing The Information, reveals that Apple has been conducting internal tests using OpenAI’s GPT model to enhance its virtual assistant Siri since the previous year. It also notes ongoing discussions between Apple and OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft, since mid-2023.
Reportedly, Apple’s machine learning team engaged in discussions with OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, during last year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Although details of the discussions remain scarce, Apple is said to have reached an agreement with Altman to utilize OpenAI’s Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for internal testing.
Internally, Apple integrated Siri with OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI model, creating a new prototype capable of handling complex queries and better understanding input context. Evidence of this surfaced with the discovery of a new Siri summarization private framework in the first beta version of iOS 17.4, which interacts with OpenAI’s ChatGPT API.
Apple is expected to formalize the deal during the upcoming WWDC 2024, scheduled for June 10. The next-generation operating systems for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks are anticipated to introduce new AI tools and features, many of which will be powered by OpenAI’s AI models.
Despite Microsoft’s significant investment of $13 billion in OpenAI, the report suggests that Microsoft is apprehensive about the potential partnership. OpenAI’s GPT model also powers Microsoft’s Copilot AI features, and a deal between Apple and OpenAI could potentially lead to direct competition between Microsoft and the Cupertino-based technology giant.