Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at a potential artificial intelligence (AI) announcement later this year, expressing optimism about the prospects with Gen AI. Cook refrained from divulging specific details during a call with analysts following the company’s fiscal first-quarter earnings report. He emphasized Apple’s interest in competing with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and OpenAI in developing cutting-edge AI models for text and image generation.
While Cook’s statements lacked intricate specifics, they underscored Apple’s commitment to investing in transformative technologies that will influence the future. Particularly, he highlighted the company’s significant focus on artificial intelligence, hinting at forthcoming revelations later in the year.
The surge in interest surrounding Generative AI, notably since 2022 with advancements like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and enhanced image generators, has captured the attention of tech firms and investors. Despite not unveiling a sophisticated AI model last year, Apple has a history of integrating machine learning technologies into its chips and software. These technologies enable functionalities such as identifying individuals or animals in images.
Traditionally, Apple unveils new software offerings in June at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). In the previous year, Apple introduced an autocorrect feature for the iPhone keyboard based on a transformer-based language model akin to GPT. Notably, during the presentation, Apple opted for the term “machine learning” over “artificial intelligence.”
Cook’s statement encapsulated Apple’s enthusiasm for the potential of Gen AI and AI, hinting at significant developments without preempting detailed disclosures.
