According to reports, Apple is going to reach an agreement with OpenAI to configure ChatGPT into the next-generation iPhone operating system, iOS 18. Both of the two companies have been finalizing the terms of the agreement. After reached, this agreement would further enhance Apple's strategic positioning in the field of AI.

Simultaneously, Apple is in negotiations with Google regarding the authorization for the use of the Gemini chatbot, but a final agreement has yet to be reached. Currently, it is unclear how ChatGPT functionality and the Gemini chatbot will be specifically implemented, but this move will undoubtedly bring about a more intelligent interaction experience, meeting the ever-increasing demand for high-tech interactions from users.

It is reported that Apple plans to unveil iOS 18 at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 24) in June 2024. At that time, the system may attach some AI software and services to common iOS functions such as iMessage, FaceTime, and Siri, all of which will run through data centers equipped with Apple Silicon processors.

Awake After Falling Behind

Actually, negotiations between Apple and OpenAI, Google, and other companies on AGI cooperation began as early as March of this year, but progress has been scarce since then. At that time, Apple and Baidu were negotiating the use of AGI models in domestic products, while OpenAI, Google, and AI startups like Anthropic were targeting foreign markets.

Over the past five years, Apple has invested $100 billion in AI research and development, but with little success. Last year, Apple CEO Tim Cook admitted to using OpenAI's ChatGPT himself and subsequently realized Apple's embarrassing position in the AI ​​competition, stating that "some problems need to be solved" and promising that the new AI features will enter the Apple platform on a "very solid basis".

Afterward, Apple underwent its largest internal restructuring in over a decade, with AGI becoming a "tent pole" business within Apple. Regarding competitors, it was reported that Apple has been poaching AI employees from Google to strengthen its own AI team and has established a "vision lab" in Switzerland. Additionally, Apple has partnered with TSMC to establish a collaboration for self-developed AI chips, codenamed ACDC (Apple Chips in Data Center).

During last week's Apple earnings conference call, Cook believed that Apple would have an advantage in the field of AI. He stated, "Apple has advantages in standing out in the AI era, including the seamless integration of the company's hardware, software, and services."

However, Apple has not released new products directly competing with ChatGPT, but has decided to enhance the task processing capabilities of the voice assistant Siri to make it more natural and fluent in completing tasks as a virtual assistant. Specifically, this includes but is not limited to improving the interaction between Siri and messaging applications, enabling it to more efficiently answer complex questions, and even generate email and other text content on its own.

AGI revolution Led By Siri?

It is worth mentioning that ChatGPT has long been available for download in the Apple App Store, so Apple's cooperation with OpenAI this time will focus on the model level.

For the new Siri, Apple claims that it will have stronger privacy than other AI tools, and tasks can be completed only on the iPhone without the need to transfer to data centers. However, compared to larger artificial intelligence systems, the inevitable issue with smaller-scale systems is the tendency to generate "illusions".

Generally, AGI models require large amounts of data for training and operation, and whether the iPhone system can support such a scale of data raises uncertainties about user privacy breaches, misinformation, or harmful content. Furthermore, in the process of integrating third-party AI, Apple also needs to address reputation challenges such as the exclusivity and security of its ecosystem.

As of now, Apple has not revealed any AI features of the new iPhone, but considering Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S24, it can be speculated that the iPhone may "transplant" AGI flagship features such as real-time transcription of recordings and text summarization into various core system applications, building a "system-level AI". However, the specifics will have to wait until WWDC 24 to be unveiled.