Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and founder of xAI, has threatened to ban Apple devices at his companies if the tech giant integrates OpenAI at the operating system level. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk labeled the potential integration as an “unacceptable security violation.” He suggested that visitors to his companies would have to leave their Apple devices in a Faraday cage, an enclosure that blocks electromagnetic signals.

Apple’s AI Strategy and Privacy Measures

Apple stated that its AI features are designed with privacy at the core, utilizing a combination of on-device processing and cloud computing. The company emphasized that user permission would be required for every use of ChatGPT, integrated as an additional feature within its “Apple Intelligence” system. This system aims to enhance Siri and provide more personalized tools to users.

The partnership between Apple and OpenAI was announced at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference. OpenAI President Greg Brockman confirmed that ChatGPT would be integrated into Apple’s operating systems for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This integration is expected to be available later this year, aiming to position Apple more competitively in the AI landscape.

Apple’s move to integrate AI follows similar steps by competitors such as Google, Samsung, and Microsoft. These companies have already introduced AI features in their products, with Microsoft being a significant investor in OpenAI. Despite the privacy concerns associated with AI, Microsoft’s recent announcement to turn off some AI features by default indicates a cautious approach.

Musk’s Criticism and Legal Actions Against OpenAI

Musk criticized Apple, questioning its ability to ensure security and privacy when using OpenAI’s technology. He also sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, claiming that they deviated from the company’s original mission of developing AI for the benefit of humanity. Musk’s new startup, xAI, is positioned as a competitor to OpenAI, focusing on building an alternative to ChatGPT.

While Musk’s threats to ban Apple devices raise questions about his commitment to follow through, his actions highlight the competitive tensions in the AI industry. Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI is seen as a significant step to catch up with AI advancements made by Google and Microsoft. Analysts believe this partnership could be pivotal for Apple’s innovation strategy, providing a foundation for future developments at a lower cost.