Elon Musk Threatens to Ban iPhones and Macs Over Apple’s OpenAI Partnership

Elon Musk strongly disapproves of a new collaboration between Apple and OpenAI. Threatening to ban Apple devices, including iPhones and Macs, from his companies.

On Monday, Elon Musk (the head of Tesla) wrote on X (which used to be called Twitter) that he doesn't like Apple's plan to use OpenAI's technology in its software. He thinks it's a big security problem.

Companies like SpaceX and X (owned by Musk) might ask visitors to leave their Apple devices (like iPhones and Macs) outside. They'll be put in special boxes called Faraday cages to prevent signals from getting in or out.

Musk further accused Apple of jeopardizing user data, alleging, “Apple has no clue what’s going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.”

Apple’s Partnership with OpenAI

Apple announced this at its yearly developer conference. It said it's working with OpenAI to create a new "Apple Intelligence" system. This system will use AI to make Apple products smarter, like Siri, and give users more personalized tools.

Greg Brockman, the head of OpenAI, said that ChatGPT will be added to Apple's software for iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. He said, "We're working with Apple to put ChatGPT right into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. It will be ready to use later this year, and we're excited about it!"

Musk’s Complex Relationship with OpenAI

Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left the company after conflicts over its direction. He now runs xAI, a competing AI firm, and has filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging it violated its nonprofit origins. OpenAI, in turn, has dismissed these claims as baseless and suggested Musk’s actions stem from envy over the company’s success.

A Broader AI Landscape

Elon Musk's threat to ban Apple devices comes at a time when AI is becoming more and more common in technology.

Other companies like Google, Samsung, and Microsoft (which invested a lot in OpenAI) are already adding AI features to their products.

However, people are worried about their privacy as AI becomes more popular. Microsoft said they will turn off some AI features by default.

Apple says it cares about user privacy. They process data on your devices and only share it with OpenAI if you say it's okay.

Catherine Flick, a professor who studies how technology and ethics work together, said, "Apple is more careful about people's privacy than other companies... It seems like Musk is just upset because his AI company didn't get the big deal with Apple."

Implications for Apple and the AI Industry

Apple’s partnership with OpenAI marks a pivotal moment in its AI strategy. While competitors like Google and Microsoft have taken the lead, Apple’s integration of ChatGPT could accelerate its entry into generative AI and enhance innovation in its products.

"This is a big moment for Apple, which hasn't been very innovative lately," said Matt Britzman, an expert on stocks at Hargreaves Lansdown. "Using a tool like ChatGPT from another company can help them start making progress. It gives them time to develop their own AI tools over the next few years, and it will cost them less than the companies that started this trend."

Whether Musk will follow through on his threat remains uncertain, but his comments highlight the growing tension and competition in the AI landscape.