While Apple is missing out on the artificial intelligence boom, the pioneering company behind the iPhone and Mac now seems to be trying to catch up by developing a ChatGPT-like product internally. Dubbed “Answer Engine,” the chatbot can respond to questions using information from across the web.
The development of this ChatGPT-like bot is reportedly being led by a newly formed team called Answers, Knowledge, and Information. Apple is also currently advertising job openings for this team, specifically seeking candidates with experience in search algorithms and engine development.
It could be a standalone app or enhance search capabilities in Siri, Safari, and other Apple products.
Left behind in the AI race
Though Apple did launch Apple Intelligence, the company itself admitted to several missteps and stated that delayed features such as the integration of ChatGPT into Siri, a more personalised, AI-powered update to the voice assistant. The AI features Apple has rolled out, including text message summaries, are basic and not very helpful.
To add to it, Apple lost at least four prominent AI researchers to Meta’s “Superintelligence” team. The blow came in when Meta successfully lured away Apple’s head of AI division Ruoming Pang, with a compensation package reportedly valued at more than $200 million.
Despite being a bit slow in the AI race, Apple continues to be a big player in Silicon Valley. The company recently posted its strongest revenue growth since 2021, reporting $94 billion in quarterly revenue and beat analyst expectations, driven by strong iPhone sales and booming services revenue.
