Apple has reportedly reopened its negotiations with OpenAI to power some generative AI features the Cupertino company is poised to unveil at WWDC 2024 as part of iOS 18. Apple is targeting OpenAI’s infrastructure to power its own iOS 18 chatbot, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
The newest round of talks comes after Apple first approached OpenAI to power some iOS 18 AI features earlier this year. Still, recent discussions are now described as intensive as we enter the final stretch before WWDC 2024. Apple is still deliberating whether to rely on OpenAI or Google’s Gemini language model as a final agreement is yet to be reached with either company. Apple is also said to be engaged in similar talks with Baidu and Anthropic.
The report adds that Apple is seeking a deal with an external AI provider to power a ChatGPT-style chatbot it plans to debut with iOS 18. As a result, Apple’s chatbot will likely rely on cloud processing supplied by an external vendor. Previous reports largely agree that other iOS 18 AI features will be powered by Apple’s proprietary Large Language Model (LLM) which is more fit for smaller features that run completely on-device. These on-device AI features will also run significantly faster since they don’t rely on an internet connection. Apple will also tout the privacy of its in-house LLM since users’ data won’t have to be processed in the cloud.
Apple’s talks with OpenAI come as the Cupertino company continuously acquires smaller AI startups to bolster its internal capabilities. The company recently got hold of DarwinAI and Datakalab, with both startups specializing in creating compact AI models that are small enough to run completely on-device.
Apple’s focus on AI was said to primarily span features that help users throughout their day, rather than creating content. An Apple-branded chatbot now seems like a real possibility with iOS 18 as the iPhone update is also said to introduce a more conversational and contextually aware Siri powered by generative AI.
It’s all but confirmed that Apple will bring forward a slew of new AI-based features across the board with iOS 18, macOS 15, and more at WWDC 2024. Apple aims to introduce AI capabilities within every corner of iOS 18 as the company has largely remained silent features-wise on today’s AI frenzy that has swept the market.
Look out for AI-powered features spanning Siri, Messages, Spotlight Search, Safari, Apple Music, Xcode, and more. iOS 18 is also said to introduce considerable UI design changes across the board, with these changes said to make the update one of the biggest in iPhone’s history.
WWDC 2024 kicks off on Monday, June 10 when iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2 are expected to be announced. Beta testing for all the new updates will last throughout the summer until they’re released to the public in the fall and later in the year.
