Apple has solidified its ties with OpenAI by securing an observer role on the company’s board, as reported by Bloomberg’s trusted source Mark Gurman. The tech giant has appointed Phil Schiller, a seasoned executive from the Steve Jobs era, to take on this important position. Schiller, known for his oversight of the App Store and past leadership in marketing at Apple, is set to enhance the collaboration between the two organizations.

Key points to note about Apple’s involvement with OpenAI:

– The observer role does not grant full director status but provides valuable insights into company decisions.
– The arrangement is scheduled to commence later this year, with Schiller yet to attend any board meetings.
– Apple’s recent announcement at WWDC highlighted plans to incorporate ChatGPT into its devices for enhanced AI capabilities.
– Microsoft, another major supporter and AI technology provider for OpenAI, will also have a presence in board meetings alongside Apple.

As part of its broader AI strategy, Apple is gearing up to introduce Apple Intelligence, a suite of in-house features aimed at revolutionizing user experience. These features will include article summaries, custom emojis and images creation, voice memo transcription, and an updated version of Siri. However, access to these cutting-edge AI features will be exclusive to newer devices:

– iPhone 15 Pro series or newer for phones
– iPads and Macs with M1 chips or newer for tablets and computers

This move is strategic on Apple’s part as it aims to encourage customers to upgrade their devices due to increased RAM requirements for on-device AI computing. Additionally:

– The partnership between Apple and ChatGPT founder benefits both parties – OpenAI gains access to millions of users while Apple secures a chatbot feature that could drive App Store revenue.
– Collaborations are underway with Google and Anthropic for additional chatbots and discussions with Baidu and Alibaba regarding AI integration in Chinese devices.
– Initial launch of Apple Intelligence will be in American English with plans for a global expansion in the future.

Apple’s presence on OpenAI’s board marks a significant step towards innovation and advancement in the field of artificial intelligence. Stay tuned for further updates on how this partnership unfolds!