Apple Re-Starts Talks with OpenAI and Considers Partnering with Google for New iPhone Features

Apple Inc. has resumed talks with OpenAI to use the startup’s technology in new features for the iPhone later this year. The renewed dialogue comes after discussions earlier this year that had not progressed much since. Apple is also in talks with Google about licensing its Gemini chatbot technology, but no final decisions have been made yet on which partners Apple will collaborate with.

The next iPhone operating system, iOS 18, is expected to introduce new features based on Apple’s large language model and a chatbot-like feature similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. As Apple prepares for its Worldwide Developers Conference, it plans to showcase its AI software and services as more integrated and privacy-focused than competitors.

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has previously mentioned using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but noted there were unresolved issues. By partnering with external companies, Apple aims to accelerate its chatbot development while mitigating potential risks associated with generative AI features. This approach allows Cook to be strategic in introducing new AI features to Apple’s platforms.