As Apple enters the competition in the field of artificial intelligence, it is actively seeking partnerships for assistance.
Earlier this month, Apple announced in the release of Apple Intelligence that it will collaborate with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT technology into the redesigned Siri. Now, The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is in similar partnership negotiations with Meta, the parent company of Facebook.
According to the report, these negotiations have not yet been finalized and there is still a possibility of failure. Meta remains silent and refuses to comment, while Apple has not responded immediately.
As Sarah Perez pointed out, Apple's AI strategy currently sounds more conservative and pragmatic - it tends to view AI as a tool to enhance existing product features (such as writing suggestions and personalized emojis), rather than an opportunity for comprehensive reshaping or disruption. However, emphasizing practicality rather than being flashy may be the key to promoting the popularization of AI technology. Based on this foundation, Apple can surpass the limitations of its own AI models through collaboration with partners.
Therefore, the partnership with Meta will reduce Apple's dependence on a single partner and also provide an opportunity for validation of Meta's generative AI technology. According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple has not proposed to pay fees for these partnerships; instead, Apple provides distribution channels for AI partners, and partners can sell premium subscription services through these channels.
Meanwhile, although Elon Musk, co-founder of OpenAI, is now competing with OpenAI through his new startup company xAI, he is very concerned about the prospect of ChatGPT being deeply integrated into Apple's operating system, and even threatened to ban his company from using Apple devices internally. However, Apple stated that it will seek user permission before sharing any questions and data with ChatGPT. It is expected that any collaboration with Meta will follow a similar operation mode.
In another recent development, Apple also revealed that although the Apple Intelligence plan is scheduled to be launched in its latest version of the operating system (including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia) later this year, it plans to postpone the implementation of this technology in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act (aimed at promoting competition in the digital market). Apple also stated that it will postpone the iPhone mirror and SharePlay screen sharing functions.
Apple said in a statement, "We are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA may force us to compromise the integrity of our products in a way that harms user privacy and data security."
