Apple Engineers Developing Their Own ChatGPT-Style AI, But Launch Uncertain
Apple is actively working on developing its own generative AI tool, similar to OpenAI’s GPT and Google’s Bard, according to reliable sources. Internally referred to as Apple GPT, the company’s chatbot clone, inspired by ChatGPT, is already being utilized by some employees for work-related tasks.
To spearhead this covert project, Apple has established a cross-functional collaboration involving teams from AI, software engineering, and cloud infrastructure. The driving force behind this initiative is Apple’s concern that its devices may lose their competitive edge if the company falls behind in the field of AI.
While AI has been an integral component of Apple’s devices for several years, mostly enhancing photo and video quality and enabling features like crash detection, the company has recently begun incorporating AI-powered enhancements into its iOS.
Nevertheless, Apple’s roadmap for delivering generative AI to its customers remains vague, although an announcement is anticipated later this year.
Apple’s framework for its AI language model, known as Ajax, is built on Google’s Jax machine learning framework. Unlike hosting its own servers, Apple relies on Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud infrastructure for this technology. Ajax was devised with the aim of streamlining machine learning development internally.
Currently, a prototype of a generative AI chatbot, resembling ChatGPT, is being used internally by employees for work purposes. The initial rollout of this chatbot occurred towards the end of last year on an experimental basis but was delayed due to security concerns associated with generative AI. Although access to the tool has since been expanded, employees are prohibited from using its outputs for consumer-facing applications. Insiders indicate that the technology does not appear to surpass similar offerings available in the market, functioning quite similarly to ChatGPT and Bard.
The integration of a generative AI language model into Apple’s devices has the potential to significantly enhance Siri, which has historically lagged behind competitors like Amazon’s Alexa in terms of capability. This integration could bridge the functionality gap and result in more intuitive and thorough responses from Siri.
Furthermore, the incorporation of this technology could extend beyond Siri, potentially benefiting some of Apple’s key software products, including the iWork Suite, Final Cut Pro, Apple Music, and other applications.
While Apple’s efforts to develop its own generative AI tools indicate their commitment to staying competitive in the AI space, the launch of their chatbot clone remains uncertain. Apple is likely considering various factors before deciding on a concrete plan. However, if successful, this development could revolutionize user experiences and strengthen Apple’s position in the market.
In conclusion, Apple’s covert project to build its own generative AI tool, reminiscent of OpenAI’s GPT and Google’s Bard, reflects their dedication to AI advancement. The potential integration of this technology into Apple’s devices, especially Siri, has the capacity to improve functionality and provide users with more comprehensive answers. Although the launch of this AI tool remains uncertain, Apple’s pursuit of AI expertise illustrates their commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation.
