Apple's Secretive Push into AI: What We Know About 'Apple GPT'

Word count: 1453 Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Insight Index

• Introduction

• The Race to Rule AI

• What We Know About Apple GPT

• Architecting an AI Giant

• Broader AI Ambitions

• What Makes Apple's Approach Unique?

• The Road Ahead

• 🗝️Key Takeaways

• Glossary

• FAQ

Introduction

Artificial intelligence is poised to transform the technology landscape, and Apple aims to be at the forefront. While the company has yet to make any official announcements, a myriad of reports indicate that Apple is developing its own expansive AI system, informally dubbed "Apple GPT," to rival game-changing models like ChatGPT.

This article compiles the most substantial reporting on Apple's quiet work on generative AI to paint a picture of what consumers could expect from Apple GPT and the company's vision for AI-driven products.

The Race to Rule AI

Before diving into Apple's specifics, it helps to understand the context driving this secretive project. In recent years, artificial intelligence has exploded in sophistication, with systems like GPT-3 demonstrating human-like mastery over text and DALL-E 2 unlocking creative image generation.

However, the public debut of ChatGPT in late 2022 proved to be an inflection point, providing an enticingly useful application of AI. Behind it was OpenAI, a Microsoft-backed startup led by former Stripe CTO Greg Brockman. In the months since release, ChatGPT has amassed viral popularity and placed OpenAI at the center of the AI domain.

Naturally, tech giants like Apple now aim to develop their own versions of this groundbreaking AI. Microsoft is pouring billions into OpenAI, while Google recently unveiled Bard as its conversational AI chatbot. For Apple, the launch of a robust integrated AI could be a key driver of future services revenue and strengthen its competitive positioning.

What We Know About Apple GPT

Reports indicate that Apple's version of large-scale generative AI is internally referred to as "Apple GPT," alluding to the foundational GPT models behind ChatGPT. This informal naming signals that Apple GPT represents the company's answer to ChatGPT specifically.

Most sources agree that Apple GPT will likely be an AI-powered chatbot incorporated across Apple's products and services. Users could potentially engage Apple GPT in natural conversation about a wide range of topics through Siri or as a standalone app. It may also integrate with other Apple apps to generate content or provide information.

Bloomberg reported in July 2023 that Apple GPT was already in testing and could be announced by next year. Meanwhile, a November 2023 Tom's Guide article indicated it may launch around the mid-2024 timeframe. This aligns with rumors that Apple's broader AI features will roll out with iOS 18 likely around June 2024.

Architecting an AI Giant

While Apple has yet to even acknowledge Apple GPT officially, various reports shed light on the technical foundations being built to power this ambitious system.

At the core is a large language model apparently code-named "Ajax" internally, according to Digital Trends and Bloomberg. This model appears akin to GPT-3 or Google's LaMDA that can generate incredibly human-like text. Apple is leveraging Google's Jax framework to train Ajax on Google Cloud Platform, per Bloomberg.

To enable on-device functionality, Apple researchers are also innovating ways to distill these immense cloud-based models into more compact neural networks suited for iPhones and iPads. A December 2023 paper detailed a technique to shrink large language models by 15 times without seriously degrading performance. This could let advanced AI run smoothly on consumers' devices.

R&D into compressing massive models while retaining capabilities seems directly geared toward getting Apple GPT onto Apple's installed hardware base. Bloomberg likewise reports that Apple intends Apple GPT to work offline, unlike ChatGPT's cloud reliance. Apple's device-centric approach reflects its strength in custom silicon and could give it an edge over competitors.

Broader AI Ambitions

While most reporting focuses on Apple GPT as a chatbot, Apple's AI agenda appears much broader, according to 9to5Mac. The company aims to incorporate core AI capabilities across its products through APIs and frameworks.

For example, another Apple research paper in December 2022 described using AI to generate animated 3D avatars from standard video. This technology could potentially integrate with Apple's Vision Pro camera software announced this year.

Rumors also indicate Apple is developing ways to apply AI modeling to improve mapping data, augmented reality capabilities, and natural language processing in Siri. Apple GPT seems to be just one component of cementing AI throughout Apple's ecosystem.

What Makes Apple's Approach Unique?

Assuming the rumors hold true, Apple GPT represents a major foray into generative AI. But competing offerings from OpenAI, Google, and others continue advancing rapidly. So what could set Apple's solution apart?

Its focus on on-device processing is a key architectural difference that plays to Apple's strengths. By enabling complex AI locally on iPhones and iPads, Apple GPT may offer speed, privacy, and reliability advantages compared to cloud-centric alternatives that rely on internet connectivity.

Apple is also positioned to deeply integrate GPT-style capabilities across its software portfolio once the foundations are built. For example, GPT-powered writing assistance could become a system-wide feature available anywhere text can be entered. The tight hardware-software integration in Apple products could make AI feel more seamless.

Lastly, Apple's premium brand and reputation for quality may influence adoption. If Apple GPT is truly indistinguishable from human responses, customers may gravitate toward it over competitors. However, Apple will need to nail its launch to convince users after ChatGPT's breakout success.

The Road Ahead

For now, Apple GPT remains shrouded in mystery, with only whispered reports indicating Apple's grand AI ambitions. But if these early signs prove true, Apple could deliver an impressive generative AI system integrated natively into its devices before long.

With competitors like OpenAI and Google racing to lead the AI frontier, Apple has its work cut out to ensure its technology can match this rapid pace of innovation. Still, Apple's track record of outstanding consumer products and unified ecosystem prime it to make a splash.

The next couple years promise to be an era-defining period in AI, and Apple seems determined not to be left behind. While substantive details remain scarce, all signs point to Apple GPT's impending reveal. Consumers may want to brace for AI becoming an integral part of the Apple experience soon.

🗝️Key Takeaways

• Apple is secretly developing its own AI chatbot informally called "Apple GPT" to compete with ChatGPT and other generative AI systems.

• Apple GPT will likely be an AI-powered chatbot that integrates across Apple products and services, allowing natural conversation.

• Apple is building the core AI model, code-named "Ajax," and innovative methods to run complex AI on iPhones and iPads offline.

• Apple aims to broadly incorporate AI across its ecosystem through APIs and frameworks beyond just Apple GPT.

• Unique advantages for Apple may include offline on-device processing, deep OS integration, and leveraging its trusted brand.

Glossary

• Generative AI - AI systems that can generate new content like text, images, and media based on patterns in data.

• Large language model - A type of AI model that predicts probable next words/text based on vast volumes of text data.

• Cloud-based AI - AI systems relying on remote servers and internet connectivity, rather than on-device processing.

• API - Application programming interfaces that enable software integration.

FAQ

Q: When will Apple GPT launch?

A: Rumors point to a potential launch around mid-2024.

Q: What products will it be available on?

A: Apple GPT is expected to launch across iPhones, iPads, and potentially Macs.

Q: Will Apple GPT work offline?

A: Yes, Apple is developing methods to run the AI natively on devices without cloud connectivity.

Q: What is Ajax?

A: Apple's internal code name for the core large language model behind Apple GPT.

Q: How will Apple GPT be better than ChatGPT?

A: Potential advantages include offline use, tight integration, and Apple's brand reputation.

Sources

[1] Researchers working on enabling 'Apple GPT' to run on iPhone https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/21/apple-gpt-on-iphone/?utm\\_campaign=apple-develops-mobile-ai-breakthrough&utm\\_medium=newsletter&utm\\_source=www.therundown.ai

[2] Apple GPT: latest news, rumored release date and predicted features https://www.tomsguide.com/news/apple-gpt

[3] Apple GPT: What We Know About Apple's Work on Generative AI https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-gpt/

[4] Apple GPT is real and may be announced sooner than you think | Digital Trends https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/apple-gpt-coming-soon/

[5] Apple Tests ‘Apple GPT,’ Develops Generative AI Tools to Catch OpenAI https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-19/apple-preps-ajax-generative-ai-apple-gpt-to-rival-openai-and-google