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Apple’s Phil Schiller joins OpenAI board and what this could mean for the tech giant

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6 months ago

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Apple’s Phil Schiller joins OpenAI board and what this could mean for the tech giant

Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI aims to integrate ChatGPT technology into Siri and Apple Vision Pro, enhancing Apple’s competitive edge in the AI race

As part of a historic deal unveiled last month, Apple will have an observer position on OpenAI’s board, strengthening relations between the two tech behemoths. 

Apple’s Phil Schiller, who oversees the management of its App Store, acts as the company’s board observer in OpenAI. Schiller, who has been a member of Apple’s executive team since 1997, is known for his strong views on privacy.

Schiller’s inclusion offers Apple a deeper understanding of the ChatGPT creator’s plans, research directions and upcoming AI technologies. This integration would grant Apple access to cutting-edge AI capabilities, such as OpenAI’s conversation technology in a future version of Siri, Apple’s voice assistant and the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. This could help Apple more effectively compete with other AI-embracing tech giants like Google and Microsoft.

Read more: OpenAI confirms ChatGPT-4o with voice interface and real-time interaction

The action coincides with OpenAI’s board reorganisation in March, during which the company’s co-founder and CEO Sam Altman returned to his position following his abrupt dismissal in November. The primary reason cited for Altman’s dismissal then was a “loss of trust” and a “breakdown in the relationship” between him and the previous board.

OpenAI has since welcomed three new board members: Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart; Sue Desmond-Hellman, former head of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Nicole Seligman, former president of Sony Entertainment.

During Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference this past June, it announced a partnership with OpenAI to use ChatGPT. While Apple won’t pay OpenAI to use ChatGPT, the AI company will benefit by gaining access to hundreds of millions of consumers through the agreement.

Later this year, Apple plans to launch Apple Intelligence, a suite of generative AI features aimed at transforming user experiences by offering advanced features like personalised recommendations and intuitive interfaces.

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