Elon Musk Threatens Apple Device Ban Over ChatGPT Integration

Elon Musk has fired a warning shot across Apple's bow, vowing to ban Apple devices from his companies if Apple proceeds with plans to integrate OpenAI's technology into its operating system. At Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, the Cupertino giant unveiled its Apple Intelligence strategy, which involves OpenAI's ChatGPT technology as well as other external AI models from other providers being accessible directly from within Apple's iOS and macOS operating systems.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), took to X to voice his opposition to Apple's newly revealed partnership with OpenAI. The billionaire cited serious cybersecurity concerns, labelling such an integration an "unacceptable security violation." 

"If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation. And visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage", Musk wrote in a scathing series of posts.

Apple and OpenAI have emphasised that user data and requests will not be logged or shared without explicit permission. When using productivity features powered by ChatGPT, iOS and macOS users will be prompted before any information is transmitted to OpenAI's servers.

Even with investments in companies such as Neuralink and xAI, Musk has been among the staunchest critics of unchecked AI development, repeatedly warning of potential existential risks to humanity.

"It's patently absurd that Apple isn't smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy! Apple has no clue what's actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They're selling you down the river," Musk wrote in another post.

Apple has sought to assuage privacy fears, promising to employ a hybrid model utilising both on-device processing and private cloud servers powered by its own Apple Silicon chips to maintain robust security. OpenAI has also assured users that their subscription information, not personal data, would be the only details accessible when using ChatGPT through Apple's software.

Apple doubled down on artificial intelligence at WWDC 2024, unveiling a more powerful Siri personal assistant powered by Apple Intelligence, along with software updates that leverage AI to help write and proofread text as well as generate images to share as reactions or messages.