Elon Musk has threatened to ban Apple products from his offices and even his employees from owning an Apple device following Apple’s announcement that iPhone users will soon be able to ask ChatGPT questions through Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.
This threat highlights Musk’s ongoing rivalry with the tech giant and underscores his concerns over security and data privacy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated, “If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation.”
Musk’s statement, while expressing his unease about Apple’s use of ChatGPT, leaves room for interpretation. The phrase “integrates…at the OS level” is not explicitly defined, adding a layer of mystery to his stance.
While Musk’s description of OpenAI’s involvement with Apple suggests deep integration within its operating systems, Apple’s own description of its ChatGPT usage seems to involve user-initiated queries rather than full OS-level integration.
Apple has emphasized the privacy and security measures surrounding its AI services, showcasing a prominent dialogue box that asks users whether they want their queries forwarded to ChatGPT. This feature is designed to maintain user control and transparency and address potential privacy concerns.
Musk’s threat is unsurprising, given his history of bold statements and actions. As one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, he has the means to act on his whims, although he has a track record of not always following through on his promises and threats. His latest declaration adds another chapter to his long-standing feud with Apple, which reignited last year when Apple paused advertising on X following Musk’s endorsement of an antisemitic post.
Musk’s grievances with Apple extend beyond privacy and security concerns. He has criticized Apple for relying on OpenAI instead of developing its own AI, calling it “patently absurd” and claiming that Apple lacks control over data once it’s handed over to OpenAI. These comments come from Musk, who has invested heavily in the AI sector, raising $6 billion for his AI company, xAI, to compete with OpenAI, Apple, and other AI providers.
The implications of Musk’s threat to ban Apple products from his companies are significant. He also plans to enforce this on people visiting his offices, who will be required to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be “stored in a Faraday cage.” This drastic measure highlights the extent of Musk’s concerns over data security and his commitment to safeguarding proprietary information.
As Apple continues to advance its AI initiatives, Musk’s rivalry with the iPhone maker is likely to intensify, potentially leading to further public disputes and strategic maneuvers in the AI and tech sectors.
