go through Zoe Clayman, Technical Editor • Liv McMahon, Technology reporter
ReutersApple will use OpenAI’s ChatGPT to enhance its Siri voice assistant and operating system in an effort to catch up in the artificial intelligence race.
The iPhone maker announced a revamp of Siri along with a host of other new features at its annual developers conference on Monday.
It’s part of a new personalized artificial intelligence system called “Apple Intelligence” designed to give users an easier way to navigate Apple devices.
An update to its iPhone and Mac operating systems will allow access to ChatGPT through a partnership with developer OpenAI.
ChatGPT can also be used to enhance other tools, including text and content generation. A beta version will be available in the fall.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said at the opening of the Worldwide Developers Conference at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, that the move would “take his company’s products to new heights.”
The news was not welcomed by everyone. Tesla and Twitter/X owner Elon Musk has threatened to ban iPhones from his company due to “data security.”
Musk said on X: “Once Apple gives your data to OpenAI, they don’t know what’s going on. They’re selling you.”
Apple is under pressure to introduce new artificial intelligence capabilities into its products after the rapid rise of competitors adopting the technology.
In January, Apple was overtaken by Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company. It was surpassed by Nvidia again in early June..
Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, said that while Apple’s new personal artificial intelligence system “should help calm nervous investors,” its ChatGPT integration may reveal and cause deeper problems for the company.
“It’s fair to say that Apple acknowledges its limitations because ChatGPT will launch when Siri is no longer able to assist the user,” he told the BBC.
Apple has been largely absent from the slew of artificial intelligence products released by technology companies in recent months.
Mr. Cook told investors in 2023 that the company would approach the technology with caution. On Monday, those plans were finally laid out.
What is “Apple Smart”?
“Apple Intelligence” itself is not a product, nor is it an application.
It will be part of every app and Apple product customers use—whether it’s a writing assistant that perfects your draft message, or a journal that shows you the best route to your next appointment.
In that sense, it’s similar to Microsoft’s AI assistant Copilot – but you don’t have to pay extra to activate it.
Siri, the voice assistant Apple acquired in 2010, has been given a new look, with a new interface and a more chatty approach to help users navigate their devices and apps more seamlessly.
Apple was keen to emphasize the security of its smarts during Monday’s keynote.
Some processing will take place on the device itself, while larger operations that require more power will be sent to the cloud, but no data will be stored.
This is critical for customers who pay a premium for Apple’s privacy promises.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, said the system “puts powerful generative models at the heart of iPhone, iPad and Mac.”
“It uses your personal background to provide you with the most helpful and relevant intelligence, while protecting your privacy every step of the way.”
What does the OpenAI and Apple deal mean?
Apple’s decision to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology has been widely expected, but it’s an unusual move for a company that guards its products so closely.
Google and Microsoft have recently faced scrutiny over mistakes they have made with their artificial intelligence products in recent months, with the search giant pulling a new feature in May After his wrong answer went viral.
For years, Apple also refused to allow customers to download any apps outside of the App Store on the grounds that they might be unsafe, and for the same reason did not allow any web browser other than its own Safari.
Changes will only occur if forced by EU legislation.
Does this mean Apple can’t compete with ChatGPT now?
If so, it tells us a lot about the current strength of artificial intelligence giant OpenAI.
The company did say it would integrate other products in the future, but didn’t name them.
Apple announces mixed reality headset Visual Pro, will be available in the UK on July 12th. It has been available in the United States since February.
Other new features announced Monday include:
- Send SMS via satellite
- Schedule a message for later
- Use head movements (nodding for yes or shaking your head for no) to control AirPods Pro
- Dedicated password app accessible across devices
- The ability to hide certain apps or lock them behind Face ID or a passcode.
