Elon Musk has indicated that he would prohibit the use of Apple devices within his companies should Apple proceed with its intention to incorporate OpenAI’s technology into its smartphones. Apple has revealed plans to merge this technology, enabling Siri to delegate certain user queries to ChatGPT, which is OpenAI’s expansive language model.
However, Musk has expressed that this integration would constitute a “severe security breach.”
Elon Musk stated on X, the social media platform he owns (formerly known as Twitter), that if Apple integrates OpenAI technology directly into its operating system, he would implement a ban on Apple devices at his companies. Musk suggested that visitors would need to leave their Apple devices at the entrance, where they would be secured in a Faraday cage designed to block electromagnetic fields.
This prohibition is expected to apply to SpaceX, Tesla, and X. Apple had previously announced plans to introduce this feature later in the year, and OpenAI has confirmed widespread integration of its technology into the operating system.
Both OpenAI and Apple have underscored the inclusion of privacy protections in their collaboration. OpenAI clarified that it does not retain queries and ensures that users’ IP addresses remain anonymous. OpenAI stated in their announcement:
“Requests are not stored by OpenAI, and users’ IP addresses are obscured.”
As part of this integration, Siri will have the capability to send queries, documents, and photos to ChatGPT for assistance. This functionality will be accessible through a new Apple system called “Writing Tools,” enabling users to generate content, condense documents, or rewrite them in various styles.
Moreover, Apple intends to integrate OpenAI’s image generation capabilities, allowing for the creation of illustrations to accompany documents.
The suite of features known as “Apple Intelligence” encompasses all the new functionalities. While primarily leveraging Apple’s own technologies, it also integrates elements from OpenAI. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, attended Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference where these features were unveiled, though he did not appear in the presentation.
Elon Musk and OpenAI have a complex history. Musk was one of the original founders of OpenAI when it was established in late 2015. However, his relationship with the company has deteriorated over time due to his criticisms of its deviation from its original principles. Musk has taken legal action against OpenAI and Altman, accusing them of prioritizing profit over their initial mission. OpenAI has denied Musk’s allegations.
Musk’s interactions with Apple have also been occasionally contentious. In 2022, he publicly criticized Apple and its CEO Tim Cook over the transaction fees charged on iPhones. Subsequently, Musk visited Apple’s headquarters for a meeting with Cook.