Over a year ago, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, revolutionizing the way humans interact with AI. Before ChatGPT, tasks like writing, composing poetry, and generating content ideas were primarily human endeavors. However, the chatbot transformed this landscape, leading to widespread use of the AI tool for various applications. Following ChatGPT’s debut, numerous companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta, introduced their own AI chatbots. Notably, Apple has been absent from this scene.
According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter by Bloomberg, the Cupertino-based tech giant is collaborating with OpenAI to integrate the startup’s technology into iOS 18, the upcoming version of the iPhone’s software. Apple and OpenAI are planning a significant announcement of their partnership at WWDC. To accommodate the anticipated influx of users later this year, OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, is racing to ensure it has the necessary capacity. WWDC is set to begin on June 10, indicating that we are just a few days away from the event, where AI is expected to be a central focus.
The report also notes that Apple is currently relying on partnerships for AI, as its own AI technology is not yet advanced enough to release a competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. Additionally, some of Apple’s top executives are not fully supportive of pursuing this direction. Although Apple has engaged in discussions to license Google’s Gemini for iOS 18, no agreement has been reached. With WWDC less than a month away, an announcement on this front seems unlikely.
Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly discussed the company’s investments in AI. During an earnings call for the company’s first quarter last month, Cook hinted at forthcoming AI announcements. According to a report in CRN, Cook expressed confidence in Apple’s potential in the generative AI space, indicating that exciting announcements would be shared with customers soon.
“We continue to feel very bullish about our opportunity in generative AI. We are making significant investments and are looking forward to sharing some very exciting things with our customers soon,” Cook said, as per the publication. He added that Apple has “advantages that will differentiate them in this new era,” highlighting Apple’s unique integration of seamless hardware, software, and services.