Apple's AI ambitions unveiled: Ajax, ChatGPT, and industry shake-up

In the context of artificial intelligence at Apple, the network is overflowing with conflicting leaks. Can they be trusted? It appears that each leak holds a piece of the truth.

In the autumn of last year, reports surfaced that Apple is pouring roughly $3 million daily into developing a large proprietary language model. This model, named Ajax, is expected to compete with the likes of GPT from OpenAI, Gemini from Google, and Llama from Meta.

In March 2024, news broke that Apple was discussing a deal with Google poised to transform the industry. The reports suggested that the generative AI functions in iPhones would be developed using the same Gemini technology already incorporated in the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung flagship models.

Then, in May 2024, Bloomberg revealed that Apple was nearing the conclusion of a deal with OpenAI. The latest scoop suggests that the iOS 18 system will feature capabilities based on ChatGPT.

Even though the current leaks appear to contradict one another, each may be valid in its own right.

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg set out to clarify the AI confusion. The journalist, well-acquainted with Apple's strategies, reports that the company plans to foundation its generative artificial intelligence on three pillars.

Some AI functions will be powered by a proprietary large language model operating directly on the iPhone, while others will utilize a large language model in the cloud. Meanwhile, the AI chatbot will leverage ChatGPT and possibly Gemini. Gurman states that Apple does not intend to create its own AI chatbot but recognizes market demands and is contemplating acquiring an existing solution.

Nevertheless, despite the disclosure of Apple's intentions, several questions remain. If the iPhone's chatbot is to run on a competitive engine, does this imply that Apple's LLM is inferior to GPT or Gemini? Does it also indicate that capabilities like photo editing or summarizing web pages might be less efficient on iPhones than on competitor devices?

Despite numerous inquiries, Apple has semi-officially announced that AI topics will be addressed during the iOS 18 presentation at WWDC 2024. It is anticipated that answers to at least some of these questions will be unveiled on June 10, ET.