Apple Joins the AI Conversation: Secures Observer Seat on OpenAI Board

Apple’s Got a Seat at the AI Table: Phil Schiller Becomes OpenAI’s Observer

Imagine you’re at a fancy tech dinner party. You’ve got the biggest names in the industry, each trying to outdo the other with their latest and greatest innovations. Suddenly, the door swings open, and in walks Apple, casually securing an "observer" seat at the OpenAI board. This is the plot twist we didn’t see coming!

Following the buzz-worthy partnership announcement at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last month, the tech giant is officially stepping into the AI spotlight. According to a new report, Apple will snag an “observer role” on OpenAI’s board of directors, and none other than Phil Schiller will be representing Apple in this exclusive club.

Who’s Phil Schiller, you ask? Picture a seasoned tech maestro, Apple’s long-time marketing chief turned Apple Fellow. Schiller has seen it all and done it all at Apple, and now he’s adding this intriguing observer role to his impressive resume.

The New Arrangement

This new setup, set to take effect later this year, will see Schiller attending OpenAI’s board meetings. But here's the kicker: he won’t have voting power or other director privileges. Think of it as being invited to the most secretive meeting in town, where you get to sit in and soak up all the juicy details without actually making the decisions. Talk about insider access!

Bloomberg spills the beans that Apple’s position on the OpenAI board is set to mirror that of Microsoft—the AI company’s biggest supporter and primary tech provider. So, it’s like Apple and Microsoft are now co-conspirators in the world of AI, each with their ear to the ground.

ChatGPT Meets iOS 18

The partnership between Apple and OpenAI, first unveiled at WWDC in June, will bring ChatGPT integration to iOS 18 as part of the Apple Intelligence suite. Imagine chatting with your phone and having it be as smart and witty as your best friend—that’s the dream Apple is aiming for.

Interestingly, there’s no money changing hands here. Apple reportedly sees the exposure given to ChatGPT in iOS 18 as “of equal or greater value” than any financial deal. Meanwhile, OpenAI gets to bask in the glow of Apple’s massive platform. It’s a win-win that doesn’t involve a single dollar bill.

Playing It Safe

As of now, Schiller “hasn’t yet attended any meetings” of the OpenAI board, and “details of the situation could still change.” This cautious dance suggests that both companies are treading carefully, making sure all the pieces fit just right before fully committing.

Schiller’s appointment to this observer role is especially noteworthy. Since shifting to an Apple Fellow role in 2020, he’s been at the helm of the App Store and Apple events, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. He’s also been the face of Apple’s efforts to defend the App Store against global antitrust allegations. Now, with a front-row seat to OpenAI’s decision-making, Schiller and Apple are poised to gain valuable insights into one of the leading AI research organizations.

So, there you have it. Apple has its foot in the AI door, and with Phil Schiller as the observer, they’re ready to take on this new adventure. It’s like Apple just RSVP’d to the coolest tech party of the year, and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the table.

And that's today's scoop on the ever-evolving world of AI! Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and keep imagining the future with us. Until next time, keep your tech dreams alive and your AI curiosities piqued!

Source- https://fortune.com/2024/07/03/openai-apple-board-observer-set-non-voting-microsoft/