Apple sits out AI arms race to play kingmaker between Google and OpenAI (www.ft.com)

In a surprising move, Apple has opted to remain on the sidelines of the current AI race dominated by competitors Google and OpenAI. Instead of competing directly, Apple aims to act as a mediator or “kingmaker,” leveraging its platform and existing technologies to facilitate the integration of AI capabilities from these companies into its ecosystem. This strategy may position Apple as a crucial player in the AI landscape without directly entering the fray, thereby allowing it to maintain its focus on privacy and user experience—core tenets of its brand identity. This decision holds significant implications for the AI/ML community. By not launching its own AI models, Apple can avoid the pitfalls associated with the rapid iterative development seen in competitors, choosing instead to prioritize responsible AI usage. This strategic positioning could enhance the utility of AI in consumer products while keeping ethical considerations at the forefront. Furthermore, by potentially integrating powerful AI tools from Google and OpenAI, Apple could redefine the user experience in its services, setting new benchmarks for performance and innovation without the issues of data handling that have impacted the industry.