Apple explores development of AI chatbot, but release plans remain uncertain

Apple is reportedly working on its own AI-powered chatbot, internally referred to as "Apple GPT," according to sources cited in a Bloomberg report.

The company is said to be developing the chatbot using its own large language model (LLM) framework called "Ajax," running on Google Cloud and built with Google JAX. However, Apple has not yet outlined any concrete plans to release the technology to the public.

While other tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have already introduced generative AI products to businesses and consumers, Apple has remained relatively quiet in this space. However, engineers within Apple have been using the Ajax-powered chatbot internally, despite the company's ban on the use of ChatGPT.

Apple's foray into generative AI comes as no surprise given its longstanding integration of AI technology into its software, most notably with Siri. To strengthen its AI efforts, Apple hired John Giannandrea, formerly in charge of AI and search at Google, in 2018. Giannandrea, along with Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi, is leading the company's AI initiatives.

While Apple has been cautious in its approach to AI, CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged its importance, stating in a recent interview that it is something Apple is closely monitoring. Cook has also expressed concerns about AI products and emphasized the need to address various issues.

Meanwhile, other companies have collaborated to release different LLMs to startups and researchers, with Meta's LLaMA 2 being made accessible on Microsoft's Azure platform.

While Apple's precise plans in the AI space remain uncertain, sources suggest that the company is preparing to make a significant AI-related announcement in the coming year.