Apple May Collaborate with Meta on AI Initiatives

Apple is actively exploring partnerships to bolster its AI capabilities. Following the announcement of Apple Intelligence earlier this month, Apple revealed its collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into the new Siri. Now, according to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is in discussions with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for a similar collaboration.

While these negotiations are still in progress and could potentially fall through, the partnership would enhance Apple’s AI strategy. Meta and Apple have both declined to comment on these reports.

Apple's AI strategy focuses on adding practical features like writing suggestions and custom emojis to its existing products rather than pursuing radical innovation. This pragmatic approach might facilitate smoother AI adoption. Partnering with Meta could reduce Apple's dependence on a single partner and validate Meta’s AI technology. The potential deal involves Apple providing distribution to AI partners, who can then offer premium subscriptions.

Elon Musk, co-founder of OpenAI and now heading xAI, has expressed concerns about ChatGPT's integration with Apple’s systems, even threatening to ban Apple devices from his companies. Apple assures that user consent will be sought before sharing data with ChatGPT. Any collaboration with Meta would follow a similar protocol.

Additionally, Apple plans to roll out Apple Intelligence in the upcoming versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia later this year but will withhold these features from the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act. Apple cited concerns over user privacy and data security as reasons for this decision.