Apple-OpenAI : Why has Elon Musk threatened to ban Apple

The last couple of weeks have been really fascinating in the world of technology. A tussle is happening between Elon Musk and Apple, two of the biggest names in technology and business. But why isn’t the world’s richest man happy with Apple, the second-largest company in the world? And what does this have to do with OpenAI, the company that gave us ChatGPT? If you follow  the world of technology, it should not be hard to guess. However, if you need context on what I’m talking about, here is the information for you.

Apple conducted its WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) from June 10th to June 14th, 2024. They announced the integration of OpenAI into Apple devices, especially with Siri on iPhones. Apple stated that this integration would enhance Apple’s AI capabilities, allowing users to leverage advanced generative AI for more interactive experiences.

But who would have thought that the richest person in the world, Elon Musk, would be angered by this? He has been vocal about this partnership and has accused Apple of compromising user privacy. And he didn’t stop there; he threatened that if Apple  integrates OpenAI at the operating system level  on its  devices, he will ban them at his company. This means employees at Musk’s companies like SpaceX, Tesla, The Boring Company, and Twitter (now X) will not be allowed to use Apple devices in their workplaces.

If this were a complaint from a smaller company, Apple might not have taken it seriously. But this comes from one of the most influential figures in the business and technology world, Elon Musk himself. No wonder people are interested in this news; the interest is rightly justified.

And it is  not like , he  displayed his disappointment and forgot about it. Evidence from various sources suggests that he is serious about his concerns and, if he proceeds, it shouldn’t be a surprise.

Just recently, Elon Musk shared an Indian meme on X, humorously depicting the current situation between Apple and OpenAI. The meme illustrated how Apple, which once claimed to be a safe haven for user privacy, might now be breaching it by sharing data with OpenAI.

What is Apple’s Response to Musk’s Concerns?

To counter Elon Musk’s allegations and trolling, Apple has responded by clarifying that the integration will be an optional feature on Apple devices, ensuring user privacy protection is in place. Moreover, ChatGPT within Siri and writing tools will not store requests or reveal IP addresses, and users can even opt for charge-free accounts that align with their data privacy preferences.

However, Apple’s clarification has not satisfied Elon Musk, who remains sceptical. He claims Apple has no guarantee of what will happen to the data once it reaches OpenAI’s hands. He posted a long thread expressing his concerns, aiming to draw attention to the issue. Interestingly, cybersecurity experts have tried to clarify the integration and partnership between OpenAI and Apple, suggesting Elon Musk’s concerns may be misplaced. But Elon Musk remains unsatisfied with their findings, making this topic a significant point of contention between Apple and Elon Musk.

Is Elon Musk Complaining Because of His History With OpenAI?

A little research will reveal that Elon Musk is clearly not on good terms with OpenAI. His relationship with OpenAI has been complex for some time. It is also intriguing to know that Mr. Musk was a co-founder and one of the early investors in ChatGPT, the  parent company of OpenAI. Despite backing the company, he left in 2018 due to disagreements over its direction and philosophical differences. Since then, there have been several occasions where Elon Musk has expressed concerns about OpenAI’s achievements, the emergence of ChatGPT, and the future of artificial intelligence. He believes that artificial intelligence could pose significant dangers to humanity and must be carefully controlled.

The War of AI is Heating Up and Role of xAI

Elon Musk, being one of the sharpest minds in business, brings a unique perspective to this debate. Now, the whole tussle is before the world. Elon Musk’s disliking of OpenAI is open to the world, and time will tell what Apple does to pacify the richest person in the world.

It is noteworthy that Mr. Musk announced his own AI startup called xAI in 2023. It is being developed both at Tesla and through his 2023 startup. He believes that the generative AI of ChatGPT has many flaws and is not suitable for humans in the long run.

It is unlikely that Apple will cancel its partnership with OpenAI, and it will be fascinating to see Musk’s reaction to the whole situation. Will he really ban Apple from his companies, or is this just a minor incident between OpenAI, Musk, and Apple? Only time will tell, but this will be fascinating to watch, at least.