Apple Developing Artificial Intelligence Tools to Compete with OpenAI, Google, and Meta
According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on artificial intelligence tools to challenge the likes of OpenAI, Google, and Meta. The tech giant has created a chatbot that some engineers are internally referring to as ‘Apple GPT.’ However, Apple has yet to determine a strategy for releasing the technology to consumers, but it’s reportedly aiming to make a significant AI-related announcement next year.
Building Its Own Framework: Ajax
The report says Apple has built its own framework, codenamed ‘Ajax,’ to create large language models. These are AI-based systems that power offerings like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. Ajax runs on Google Cloud and was built with Google JAX, the search giant’s machine learning framework.
The Foundation for Apple GPT: Large Language Models
Apple is leveraging Ajax to create large language models and serve as the foundation for the internal ChatGPT-style tool. These large language models can be used to generate human-like text based on the input it receives. The chatbot can be used to summarize text, answer questions, and even assist with product prototyping.
Security Concerns and Limited Access
However, Apple’s development of the AI tools has not been without its challenges. The internal rollout of the chatbot was halted for a while due to security concerns about generative AI. But since then, it has been made available to more Apple employees who require special approval for access.
No Immediate Plans for Consumer Release
Despite making significant progress in developing the AI tools, Apple is yet to determine how and when they will be released to consumers. The report suggests that the company is focused on trying to address potential privacy concerns related to artificial intelligence.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that although the tech giant would add AI to more of its offerings, it would do so on a ‘thoughtful basis.’ This implies that Apple is taking a cautious approach when it comes to integrating AI into its products and services.
Recruiting Experts in Generative AI
As companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta have moved quickly to release generative AI products to the public, Apple has remained somewhat quiet on the AI front. However, the company has posted job postings seeking experts in generative AI. It’s looking for engineers with a ‘robust understanding of large language models and generative AI.’
Why Apple Needs to Catch Up
The report comes as consumer demand for generative AI tools that can help with tasks like drafting essays and images continues to grow. Apple needs to catch up with its competitors in this space if it wants to remain competitive.
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Conclusion
Apple’s secret AI project is a significant development that could challenge the likes of OpenAI, Google, and Meta. However, the company still needs to determine how and when they will be released to consumers. With consumer demand for generative AI tools continuing to grow, Apple can’t afford to stay behind.
About the Author
Aisha Malik is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining the publication in 2021, she was a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup. Aisha holds an honours bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University.
