Apple has established a closer link with OpenAI, positioning itself as an observer on the AI research company’s board. According to a report from Bloomberg, Phil Schiller, who oversees the App Store and formerly led marketing, will represent Apple in this role.
Role of the Board Observer
As an observer, Schiller will attend board meetings and contribute to discussions, though he won’t have voting or directorial authority. This status allows Apple to remain updated on OpenAI’s strategic decisions and activities. Microsoft also has an observer on the board, highlighting the significance of this role in building partnerships with OpenAI.
Schiller’s new role signals Apple’s goal of bolstering its artificial intelligence initiatives. By engaging with OpenAI’s research, Apple aims to refine its AI-powered technologies, potentially bringing these advancements into its line of products. This move aligns with Apple’s broader goal of enhancing the user experience through sophisticated AI solutions.
AI Integration in Apple Products
A practical outcome of this collaboration is the integration of ChatGPT into Apple’s iOS and macOS systems. This upgrade will allow Siri to handle more nuanced queries using ChatGPT’s capabilities, contingent on user permissions. These improvements are expected to be introduced later this year, marking a significant step in Apple’s AI strategies.
Currently, no financial exchange is involved in this partnership. However, Apple is expected to receive a portion of ChatGPT subscription revenues generated through its platforms in the future, emphasizing the strategic value of the collaboration for both parties.
Apple’s AI Push
Announced at WWDC 2024 last month, Apple Intelligence will be available on the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and devices with M1 or later chips, beginning this fall with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. With the ChatGPT integration, Siri will receive new functionalities including managing notifications, text generation, email summarization, and performing actions across multiple apps.