Elon Musk threatens to ban iPhones at his companies after huge Apple announcement
Apple recently announced that its upcoming iOS 18 would involve more AI features, such as an advanced version of its voice-assistant Siri, as well as a partnership with AI software company OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT technology into its devices.
The company also mentioned that most of the AI processing will be on the iPhone’s hardware, with only a small part relying on the cloud, meaning the technology will be more integrated across built-in apps and features.
However, Elon Musk has threatened to ban all Apple users from his platform, X (formerly Twitter).
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'If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies,' the Tesla CEO posted.
'That is an unacceptable security violation.'
In a follow-up comment, Musk added that if the ban goes into effect, visitors would have to check their Apple devices 'at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage.'
The SpaceX founder claims that it is 'patently absurd' that Apple isn’t 'smart enough' to develop its own AI, but somehow it can ensure OpenAI will protect user security and privacy.
'Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river,' he continued.
Some users think Musk should release his own smartphone brand in response to Apple's strides: 'I think it’s time for you to make a Tesla phone Elon'.
The tech giant stated its AI features are built with privacy at 'the core' utilising both on-device processing and cloud computing.
A community note under Musk's tweet clarified that Apple has developed its own AI, called 'Apple Intelligence' - and that ChatGPT was an 'additional feature' within it.
The feature is limited to Siri and Writing Tools and will require 'permission from the user for every use.'
The billionaire's decision is on the back of a long feud with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI, said the company abandoned its original mission to develop AI for the benefit of humanity and not for profit.
Furthermore, in a bid to compete against viral chatbot ChatGPT, Musk founded a new startup, xAI with the 'mission of advancing scientific discovery and gaining a deeper understanding of our universe,' according to its official website.
The product is currently valued at $24 billion and is only accessible to premium X users.