23 March 2024 – Recent reports suggest that Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, has been in discussions with China’s Baidu to integrate the latter’s generative AI into its devices, particularly in the Chinese market. This development emerges amidst Apple’s efforts to enhance its AI capabilities, with talks also held with Google and OpenAI for similar collaborations.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple’s discussions with Baidu indicate a potential collaboration to leverage Baidu’s generative AI for its devices in China. This move aligns with speculations that Apple might unveil a range of AI features with the anticipated iOS 18 at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. Notably, Apple has also engaged in talks with Google regarding the utilization of Gemini to power AI features on iPhones.
Additionally, Apple’s interest in collaborating with OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, underscores its pursuit of enhancing AI capabilities. The decision to explore local generative AI providers in China is driven by regulatory requirements, as China mandates approval from its cyberspace regulator for AI models intended for public use.
Baidu’s Ernie bot is among the over 40 generative AI models approved by Beijing, highlighting its prominence in the Chinese AI landscape. This strategy mirrors Samsung’s integration of Baidu’s Ernie to power AI features in its S24 series in China. However, accessibility to globally acclaimed models like GPT-4 remains limited in China.
Amidst these developments, Apple aims to leverage AI across its suite of applications and products, potentially revamping its AI voice assistant Siri with innovative features. As discussions evolve, Apple’s collaboration with Baidu underscores its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance user experiences.
