Why is Elon Musk upset about the partnership between Apple and OpenAI?

Apple and OpenAI recently announced a partnership and Elon Musk is not taking it lightly expressing dissatisfaction with the business.

The Tesla boss sparked controversy by threatening to ban Apple devices from his companies if Apple proceeds with its new AI partnership with OpenAI.

The arguments

Musk’s main claim is that incorporating OpenAI into Apple’s systems is an intolerable security risk, and he recommends strict steps to guard against data leaks. He compared Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI to selling customers’ data down the river and claims that it will jeopardise user privacy.

Given his departure from OpenAI and his present position as CEO of a rival AI business, some claim that Musk’s criticisms could perhaps, be motivated by jealousy of rival companies.

There are also doubts that Musk will truly impose a ban on Apple products given his track record of daring claims and broken pledges.

Restricted options for employees?

Employees are likely to find it difficult to find replacements if Musk forbids Apple devices because AI is integrated into other businesses’ products, even if Microsoft has modified some capabilities out of privacy concerns.

Apple’s innovation and market position

Meanwhile, Apple’s alliance with OpenAI is seen as a strategic move to enhance its innovation and market standing in AI, contrasting with Musk’s portrayal of it as a security lapse. But experts have highlighted that Apple’s method of handling AI is more privacy-oriented, potentially undermining Musk’s criticism.

The facts

Elon Musk expressed his dissatisfaction with Apple’s new partnership with OpenAI in a post on X, threatening to forbid Apple products at his companies should the iPhone manufacturer move on with its AI ambitions.

OpenAI’s operating system integration, according to Musk, would be a “unacceptable security violation.” He said that in order to prevent electromagnetic waves from entering, guests would need to check in with their Apple devices at the entry.

Apple and OpenAI partnership

At the Worldwide Developers Conference held by Apple, the relationship was revealed. OpenAI’s technology will improve Siri and offer more individualised tools under the new “Apple Intelligence” system. This includes routing queries to ChatGPT through Apple devices.

The participation of OpenAI

The head of OpenAI, Greg Brockman, announced that ChatGPT will be incorporated into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS and made available later this year.

Musk’s history with OpenAI

Currently serving as the CEO of xAI, a competitor AI company, Musk was a co-founder of OpenAI. He is suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, for allegedly breaking the founding agreement and deviating from the nonprofit organization’s objective. He and Altman currently have a tense relationship.

Industry context

When it comes to AI development, Apple has fallen behind rivals like Google and Microsoft.  Google and Samsung, have integrated AI features into their products. Microsoft has also announced AI features for Windows but faced privacy backlash.