Apple renews talks with OpenAI on a potential deal to bring AI features to new iPhones

Apple has again intensified talks about a potential deal with OpenAI to supercharge the next iPhones with AI features. Given that WWDC 24 is inching closer, the company’s recent move is understandable. Mark Gurman, for Bloomberg, reports that the news comes directly from people familiar with Apple and OpenAI discussions.

Apple is still talking to OpenAI and Google on a potential deal, Anthropic is in the mix too

According to a discrete source, Apple and OpenAI are discussing possible agreement terms to enter a deal. The discussion is said to revolve around how features of OpenAI’s tech can be integrated into Apple’s next OS, iOS 18, scheduled to launch in June.

It is worth noting that earlier this year Apple and OpenAI discussed a deal. However, the collaboration between both parties has been minimal since then. Notably, Apple remains in talks with Google to license Gemini AI, too.

Apple reportedly hasn’t come to a conclusion on whom to partner with just yet. Also, there’s no guarantee that the deal will be sealed altogether. Therefore, if Apple closes on a deal, it might choose between OpenAI and Google, pick both, or switch to an entirely new partner.

Although Apple will include several new features to iOS 18 using its LLM, it is continuously looking for a partner to power its next iPhones with AI chatbots similar to ChatGPT. Interestingly, the popular AI startup Anthropic is in the mix too.

Apple’s main goal is to integrate its AI features more seamlessly while ensuring better privacy than its rivals. Last year, Tim Cook said that he used OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but found several issues that he believed needed fixing. He further added that AI features would debut on Apple’s platform on a very thoughtful basis.

If Apple manages to seal this deal with OpenAI, it will be a huge plus as relying on the partners could accelerate the integration of AI chatbots into its iPhones.