Apple Joins GPT AI Race Following OpenAI and Google

Apple is reportedly developing its own generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) artificial intelligence (AI) model. The model is internally referred to as “Ajax” or “Apple GPT”. But there are no clear indications that the company plans to launch it to the public, keeping the tech community in anticipation.

The Ajax system is said to be similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, two leading AI models in the industry. Interestingly, Ajax was developed on top of Google Jax, a machine learning framework, and is currently running on Google Cloud. This connection to Google’s technology could potentially limit Apple’s ability to scale Ajax beyond internal testing due to cost considerations, posing a challenge for the tech giant.

Apple’s approach to AI has always been privacy-focused, a stance that has earned it a loyal user base. The company’s efforts are primarily centered on AI technologies that can run using onboard processors instead of cloud-based services. This approach is in line with Apple’s commitment to user privacy and data security. If Apple were to develop a GPT model capable of running discretely on iPhone hardware, it could offer significant benefits to users who value privacy, potentially revolutionizing the AI space.

Despite Apple’s lack of presence in the chatbot space, the company is a significant player in AI. The AI powering the iPhone’s camera and photography editing suite remains cutting edge, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to integrating AI into its products. Furthermore, Apple Research consistently outputs a steady stream of significant papers in the machine learning space, contributing to the advancement of AI technology.

Multiple teams within Apple are working on the Ajax project. These teams are addressing potential privacy implications, a crucial aspect of AI development. The report also mentions that the company has been using the Ajax-powered chatbot internally, suggesting that Apple is actively testing and refining the technology.

Apple’s most famous AI system is Siri, the voice assistant. To bolster its AI efforts, Apple hired John Giannandrea, who previously headed up AI and search at Google, in 2018 to oversee Siri and its machine learning teams. This strategic hire underscores Apple’s commitment to advancing its AI capabilities.

Apple is planning to make a “significant AI-related announcement” sometime in 2024. However, the company is in no rush to figure out the application of this technology. It is still determining how the technology will integrate into its larger portfolio. This measured approach reflects Apple’s commitment to delivering high-quality, user-friendly products and services.

As the AI race heats up among tech giants, Apple’s entry into the GPT AI space marks a significant step. It will be interesting to see how Apple’s AI developments unfold in the coming years, and how it will shape the future of AI technology. With its focus on privacy and quality, Apple’s advancements in AI could potentially redefine the industry standards.

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