Apple is in Discussions with Meta for AI Functionality on iPhones

According to a WSJ article, Apple and Meta, Facebook's parent company, are in talks over incorporating Meta's generative AI model into Apple Intelligence. At the WWDC 2024, a new AI system for iPhones and other Apple products was just unveiled. If the report is accurate, Meta might join OpenAI as the second business to collaborate with Apple on AI features and applications. 

In the same way that applications are released through the App Store, Meta will be able to take advantage of Apple's extensive distribution network. Apple has created its own AI models and is currently looking for partners for more difficult jobs, despite entering the generative AI space later than others.

According to the source, Apple is reportedly in discussions with Google's Gemini, AI firms Anthropic and Perplexity, and Meta and OpenAI. In addition to Apple's own systems, users may have access to a variety of external AI models if these collaborations materialize.

These conversations highlight unforeseen partnerships in the age of AI. Despite their historical animosity, Apple and Meta may work together. For instance, it is said that Meta lost $10 billion in 2022 as a result of Apple's privacy reforms in 2021. In addition, Meta has been offering ways around Apple's 30 percent service charge on specific ads.

During these discussions, Apple has not asked AI businesses for money. Alternatively, these businesses might use Apple Intelligence to provide premium memberships, with Apple keeping a portion of the sales, just like it does with the App Store. 

Although these agreements may increase the availability of AI businesses' products, the financial gains are still unknown.

Through Apple Intelligence, OpenAI intends to provide a free version of ChatGPT, with the option for users to link a premium account. Although the cooperation would raise OpenAI's infrastructure expenses by 30–40%, ChatGPT use is anticipated to double as a result.

Since its July 2023 introduction, Meta's AI model Llama has garnered favor from the tech community; an agreement with Apple would be a significant accomplishment for the company's AI section.

Apple's software chief, Craig Federighi, emphasized at the WWDC 2024 that the company should provide a variety of AI alternatives to meet the diverse demands of its consumers, including those in creative writing and medical research.