Key Points:
- Apple gains an observer role on OpenAI’s board, with Phil Schiller appointed to the position.
- Schiller can attend board meetings but lacks voting rights, providing Apple with insights into decision-making processes.
- The role follows Apple’s announcement of integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT and “Apple Intelligence” across its apps.
- OpenAI appointed new directors, including CEO Sam Altman, Sue Desmond-Hellmann, Nicole Seligman, and Fidji Simo.
Apple Inc. (AAPL.O) will soon have an observer role on OpenAI’s board, following a groundbreaking AI agreement announced last month, according to a report by Bloomberg News on Tuesday. Phil Schiller, the head of Apple’s App Store and its former marketing chief, has been selected. The arrangement is expected to take effect later this year, with Schiller yet to attend board meetings.
As an observer, Schiller can attend board meetings but does not possess the voting rights or other powers typically granted to directors. However, this role will provide Apple valuable insights into OpenAI’s decision-making processes.
This development follows Apple’s announcement in June that it will integrate OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT, into its devices. The integration also extends to Apple’s new “Apple Intelligence” technology across its suite of applications, including the virtual assistant Siri. This move is seen as a significant step in enhancing AI capabilities on Apple devices and offering advanced functionalities to users.
In March, OpenAI announced the appointment of new directors to its board, including company CEO Sam Altman, Sue Desmond-Hellmann, a former CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Nicole Seligman, a former president of Sony Entertainment, and Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart (CART.O). These appointments reflect OpenAI’s commitment to bringing diverse expertise and leadership to guide the company’s future developments.
The observer role for Schiller signifies a closer collaboration between Apple and OpenAI, potentially leading to more innovative AI solutions in the future. By having a presence at OpenAI’s board meetings, Apple can stay ahead of the curve in AI advancements and strategically align its initiatives with emerging trends and technologies.
This partnership underscores the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the tech industry. Both companies are poised to benefit from exchanging knowledge and expertise, driving the development of AI-powered applications and services.
Phil Schiller’s appointment as Apple’s new observer on OpenAI’s board marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two tech giants. This move, coupled with the integration of ChatGPT and “Apple Intelligence” into Apple’s ecosystem, highlights the strategic efforts by both companies to leverage AI for enhanced user experiences and technological innovation.
