Report: Apple Rejected Integration of Meta AI After Brief Talks
Meta's offer to integrate its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot into Apple's iPhone was reportedly a nonstarter. Apple rejected Meta’s overtures after the two held brief talks in March, before any formal discussions were held, Bloomberg News reported Monday (June 24), citing unnamed sources. Neither Apple nor Meta immediately replied to PYMNTS’ request for comment.
Apple's Stance on AI Integration
This report comes a day after The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said that Apple has held discussions with Meta about partnering on AI. Like other companies working on generative AI products, Meta hopes to tap into Apple’s massive distribution, WSJ reported Sunday (June 23). Apple has stated its plans to work with partners for more complex AI tasks, according to the report.
Apple's Recent Partnerships
According to the Monday Bloomberg report, Apple talked briefly with Meta at the same time it was making deals with OpenAI and Alphabet. The iPhone maker has since announced an agreement with OpenAI and plans to offer Alphabet’s Gemini in the future. However, Apple is not currently in discussions with Meta and does not have active plans to integrate Meta’s Llama AI, the report said.
Apple's Concerns with Meta
Apple doesn’t think Meta’s privacy policies are strict enough, has criticized the company’s technology for years, and views Meta as a competitor in fields like AI, home devices, and mixed-reality headsets, per the report.
Apple's AI Features Announcement
In a long-awaited announcement, Apple unveiled its suite of AI features called “Apple Intelligence” on June 10 at its Worldwide Developers Conference, promising to revolutionize the iPhone, Mac, and iPad experience with the new technology.
The Apple and OpenAI Partnership
In Apple’s partnership with OpenAI, the company’s ChatGPT 4o will be integrated into iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. Apple added that while it was starting with OpenAI, it would incorporate other AI models in the future. The partnership aims to enhance Apple’s digital assistant Siri and writing tools with advanced AI capabilities, PYMNTS reported June 12.
Implications of the Partnership
While Apple could have used its own AI capabilities, the company recognized that its customers may prefer to utilize other AI solutions. For OpenAI, the deal presents an opportunity to showcase its brand and AI product to millions of Apple device users.
