OpenAI, the company behind the famous ChatGPT, recently rejected an offer from Apple to help improve Siri. Instead, it is focusing on developing its own artificial intelligence devices in collaboration with designer Jony Ive.
Why did OpenAI turn Apple down?
According to sources from the Financial Times, Apple approached OpenAI last fall to provide its models to enhance Siri as part of the Apple Intelligence suite. This means Apple wanted OpenAI to help make Siri smarter, faster, and more useful for iPhone users. But OpenAI refused. The reason? The company, led by CEO Sam Altman, decided to focus on its own projects. It did not want to devote resources to Apple's ecosystem because that would distract it from its main goals, such as improving ChatGPT.
This move came as no surprise because OpenAI has its own priorities. The existing integration of ChatGPT with Apple devices remains intact – iPhone users can still use features powered by ChatGPT. But a deeper partnership that would have made OpenAI the primary model provider for Siri is not happening. Instead, Apple's rejection prompted it to turn to another competitor.
Apple partnered with Google
When OpenAI said no, Apple quickly turned to Google. According to information from the Financial Times, they signed a deal worth billions of Czech crowns for Google to provide its Gemini models to improve Siri and other features in Apple Intelligence. This partnership is expected to last several years and will allow Siri to operate more intelligently, with an emphasis on processing data directly on the device, which protects user privacy.
Why Google? Apple sees Gemini as the "best foundation" for its models, meaning better performance and integration. This deal builds on the existing ties between Apple and Google, such as search and maps. For OpenAI, this means its software will not be Siri's main engine, although some smaller ChatGPT features will remain. Overall, this strengthens Google's position in the AI world, because Gemini will now power both Android and iOS devices.
OpenAI and its plans for proprietary hardware
Now for the most interesting part: instead of partnering with Apple, OpenAI is diving into the development of its own artificial intelligence devices. According to sources, it is planning up to three products that could be released within the next two years. These include an AI pen, a wearable device, and an audio device. These products are intended to change how we interact with AI technology – imagine headphones or a gadget that gives you direct access to AI while worn on your body, similar to AirPods but with advanced intelligence.
This direction underscores that OpenAI does not want to remain solely a software company. It wants to compete with major players such as Apple and create devices that could rival the iPhone in innovation. Rejecting Apple's offer therefore makes sense – a deeper partnership could have hindered its own hardware ambitions.
Jony Ive's role in the project
To bring it all to fruition, OpenAI hired Jony Ive, the famous designer who previously worked for Apple and helped create the iPhone, iMac, and Apple Watch. Ive joined last May and is expected to lead the design of these new AI devices, including a potential audio product. His task is to think about how people will use AI in real life, with an emphasis on beautiful design and ease of use.
This move has reportedly also affected the relationship between OpenAI and Apple. Ive's experience with Apple products is now helping OpenAI create something new that could revolutionize how we carry and use AI.
Sources: freepressjournal.in and oninvest.com
