Apple is developing its own AI offerings to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, according to a recent report by Bloomberg News. Apple, known for its cautious approach to AI and privacy, has been relatively quiet on the generative AI front, standing apart from rivals like Meta and Microsoft. However, a recent Bloomberg report indicates that behind the scenes, Apple is preparing a strategic AI offensive for 2024.
Leaked information reveals the development of a chatbot which many refer to as “Apple GPT,” following the success of ChatGPT from OpenAI. The tech giant has also constructed a powerful framework called “Ajax” to bolster its generative AI capabilities. This ambitious push comes as Apple acknowledges the potential trillion-dollar implications of the AI market and fears falling behind competitors in this critical technological landscape.
Apple’s ambitious generative AI plans and AppleGPT
Inside Apple’s headquarters, an exciting development is underway: the testing of a chatbot designed to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Apple is investing significant resources in developing and perfecting its generative AI capabilities, acknowledging the need to catch up with industry rivals. Apple has been working on its framework named “Ajax,” which allows the creation of large language models similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. Leveraging Google Cloud and built with Google JAX, Ajax is the foundation for Apple’s internal ChatGPT-style tool.
The chatbot, referred to as “Apple GPT,” was initially met with security concerns related to generative AI. However, it has now been made accessible to more Apple employees for product prototyping. The chatbot’s outputs cannot be utilized for customer-facing features, even with the increased access, and specific authorisation is still needed.
Apple’s recent previews of their Vision Pro demonstrate the company’s drive to exceed consumer expectations in the generative AI realm. The success of Apple’s consumer-oriented generative AI tech is critical to avoid past mishaps like the Apple Maps launch disaster. With the AI landscape evolving rapidly, Apple is under immense pressure to deliver compelling and innovative products that resonate with users. As the tech giant endeavors to solidify its presence in the LLM (Language Model Market), the competition for AI dominance intensifies, and time is of the essence.
Apple’s AI talent hunt and Tim Cook’s views on generative AI
In a recent interview, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, admitted to utilizing ChatGPT and expressed that Apple is closely monitoring the advancements in generative AI. However, Cook emphasized several issues to address before fully embracing this technology. Apple has taken a cautious approach to AI due to its commitment to user privacy, resulting in the stagnation of products like Siri and potential losses in the AI assistant market. Nevertheless, Cook’s acknowledgment of using ChatGPT indicates that Apple recognizes the significance of generative AI in shaping the future of device interactions.
Apple has been actively seeking experts in generative AI through job postings on its career page. While Apple has maintained a cautious approach to AI, it has subtly incorporated advanced AI features in certain products like Apple Photos, on-device texting, and its recently launched mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro. Despite these efforts, analysts believe that Apple lags behind its competitors in embracing the full potential of the technology. Voice assistant Siri, one of Apple’s core AI products, has also faced stagnation over the years.
Several corporate teams are actively building these new AI capabilities under the direction of John Giannandrea, the head of machine learning and AI, and Craig Federighi, Apple’s top executive in software engineering. Apple is preparing to make a significant AI-related announcement in the upcoming year, despite the fact that it has not yet provided a precise roadmap for the tools it is developing.
Apple’s ambitious preparations for a major AI push in 2024 underscore the tech giant’s recognition of generative AI’s transformative potential and financial significance. With the development of “Apple GPT” and the “Ajax” framework, the company aims to secure its position in the AI market and cater to the evolving needs of consumers. The forthcoming release of its generative AI tech holds the promise of revolutionizing the way devices operate. The AI industry eagerly awaits Apple’s entrance into the generative AI space, as its potential impact on the trillion-dollar market is set to reshape the technology landscape.
