While tech giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Meta make headlines daily with their advances in generative AI, Apple has been notably absent from the limelight. However, the iPhone maker is not sitting idly by. In fact, Apple is quietly working on a privacy-focused AI, which is currently undergoing internal testing.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple’s AI project includes a chatbot that has been under internal testing. The company is expected to make a major announcement about its AI plans in 2024. Internally referred to as “Apple GPT,” the AI could potentially use a generative pretrained transformer (GPT) similar to OpenAI’s model. Reportedly called “Ajax,” Apple’s large language model runs on Google Cloud using Google’s Jax machine learning framework, ensuring data security through encryption.
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, emphasizes the importance of being “deliberate and thoughtful” in AI development and deployment, especially concerning user privacy. The challenge for Apple’s AI engineers is to create an effective AI while safeguarding user data, a crucial aspect that aligns with the company’s brand identity. Although Apple has prohibited the use of ChatGPT internally, Ajax is believed to have been actively utilized.
Despite the lack of an official acknowledgment, Apple has been investing in AI, as evident from numerous AI-related job listings posted in recent months. While some have speculated that Apple may acquire an existing generative AI company, Gurman’s report suggests the company is hesitant due to difficulties in integrating acquisitions, as previously experienced with Intel’s modem division acquisition.
Apple already incorporates AI into its products, such as handwriting recognition on the iPad, background removal on the iPhone, and video reactions on a Mac. Even the announcement of a new generative AI feature for iPhone, though not explicitly described as such, showcases Apple’s involvement in AI.
However, when compared to advanced AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, GPT-4, Bing Chat, and Google Bard, Apple’s current AI efforts may seem relatively modest. These sophisticated AI models excel in understanding human speech and even analysing uploaded images. As the technology continues to advance rapidly, Apple might need to accelerate its efforts to stay competitive in the generative AI race.
As we await Apple’s official announcement in 2024, it’s clear that the company’s entrance into the AI chatbot realm is inevitable. With a strong focus on privacy and user protection, Apple’s AI has the potential to carve out a unique space in the evolving AI landscape. While it may be starting later than some of its competitors, Apple’s commitment to responsible AI development could be a game-changer in the future of generative AI solutions.
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
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