- Tesla CEO Elon Musk has threatened to ban the use of Apple devices by employees at his companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X, following the announcement of a partnership between Apple and OpenAI.
- Musk criticised the integration of OpenAI’s technology with Apple’s systems, calling it “an unacceptable security violation” and stating that guests visiting his companies will need to store their Apple devices in a Faraday cage at the door.
OUR TAKE
Elon Musk’s feud with Apple traces back several years. In 2015, Musk jokingly referred to Apple as the “Tesla Graveyard,” suggesting it hired Tesla rejects. Musk denies ever trying to sell Tesla to Apple. Over the years, Musk has continued to criticise Apple’s products and policies, including its App Store fees. The conflict between Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and Elon Musk is exemplified by the vision for the AI sector. Musk has warned about the dangers of AI surpassing human intelligence and becoming uncontrollable. He has advocated for proactive regulation to ensure AI is developed and used safely.
–Sylvia Shen, BTW reporter
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has threatened to prohibit his employees from using Apple devices at work following the first day of Apple’s WWDC.
Musk denounces integration
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a partnership between Apple and OpenAI to integrate OpenAI’s artificial intelligence capabilities into Apple’s computer operating systems during WWDC.
On Monday night, Musk stated on his social media platform X that integrating OpenAI’s technology with Apple’s systems “is an unacceptable security violation.”
In addition, he said that guests “will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage” to his companies, which also include SpaceX.
Musk has threatened to prohibit the use of Apple products at his companies, which collectively employ over 100,000 people between Tesla, SpaceX, and X.
Apple and OpenAI did not respond immediately.
Also read: Elon Musk sues OpenAI over alleged mission drift towards profit
Apple emphasises privacy
Earlier, Apple revealed a number of AI capabilities for its operating systems and applications, as well as a collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT technology into its hardware.
Apple claimed to have built AI with privacy as a fundamental tenet, enabling these features through a blend of cloud computing and on-device processing.
“It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!” Musk said on X.
Ben Bajarin, CEO of consulting firm Creative Strategies, agrees with Elon Musk, stating that Apple is attempting to educate people about the security of private cloud storage.
Also read: Everything Apple announced at the WWDC 2024 keynote day 1
Perfection over innovation, analysts say
While the present extent of Apple’s cooperation with OpenAI is limited, some analysts contend that this fits with Apple’s strategy of employing ChatGPT to handle urgent requirements while simultaneously building its own proprietary technology.
This approach allows Apple to maintain control over its AI development while leveraging OpenAI’s expertise.
Many of Apple’s new AI features, according to Casey Newton of Platformer, are already included in apps from other firms. Rather than bringing innovative technologies, Apple appears to be prioritising usability and comfort.
The Financial Times pointed out that this approach aligns perfectly with Apple’s style, which is to “perfect, rather than pioneer.”
