Tesla CEO Elon Musk to Ban Apple Devices If OpenAI is Integrated with Apple OS
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has threatened to ban the use of Apple devices across his companies if $2.96 trillion dollar company Apple integrates OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its operating systems. This announcement has sparked significant debate and concern within the tech and business communities, given the widespread use of Apple products and the growing influence of AI technologies like ChatGPT.
The Apple-OpenAI Deal
On Monday, Apple announced its much-anticipated push into Artificial Intelligence, which featured an update to its voice assistant, Siri.
On June 10, 2024, at the Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled “Apple Intelligence“, a new set of generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. These features are slated for release with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia later in the year.
The function will be driven by GPT-4o, the latest version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
The common feature will allow Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, to forward user inquiries to ChatGPT when needed. Before any questions, documents, or photos are sent to ChatGPT, users will be asked for permission. Siri will then present the response directly.
“It’s personal, powerful, and private—and it’s integrated into the apps you rely on every day. Introducing Apple Intelligence—our next chapter in AI.”
– Tim Cook (CEO, Apple)
Elon’s Response
In response to Apple’s potential integration of OpenAI’s technology, Musk has threatened to ban the use of Apple devices within his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX.
He described the software integration between the two companies as “an unacceptable security breach” and claimed that Apple has “no clue what’s really happening.“
Elon called it “patently absurd” that Apple “lacks the capability” to develop its own AI, suggesting that by outsourcing privacy and security, Apple is failing its customers. “They’re betraying your trust,” he said.
In multiple posts on his social media platform X, Musk voiced worries about whether Apple and OpenAI will adequately protect users’ data.
“Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.”
– Elon Musk
Past Incidents of Musk and OpenAI
In March 2015, Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI along with its CEO Sam Altman. He claimed that they had deviated from the startup’s initial mission of creating AI for the benefit of humanity rather than for profit.
Additionally, Musk established his own startup, xAI, aiming to compete with OpenAI and develop an alternative to the popular chatbot ChatGPT.
In its latest funding round, xAI was valued at $24 billion, having secured $6 billion in Series B funding.
Industry Reactions
The tech industry is watching closely as this situation unfolds. The potential ban could impact over 1.4 billion Apple Users Globally, creating a ripple effect across multiple sectors. Many analysts view Musk’s stance as a strategic move to advocate for more stringent AI regulations and to promote his own AI ventures, such as the AI chatbot Grok developed by his company xAI.
As the AI landscape evolves, the clash between industry giants like Elon Musk and companies like Apple and OpenAI highlights the complexities and challenges of integrating advanced technologies into consumer products. While Apple aims to enhance its devices with cutting-edge AI features, Musk’s strong opposition underscores the ongoing debate about security, privacy, and the ethical use of AI.
