Elon Musk Considers Banning Apple Devices at His Companies Due to Apple’s ChatGPT Integrations

Elon Musk is making headlines by threatening to ban iPhones from all his companies due to Apple's recent OpenAI integrations announced at WWDC 2024. In a series of posts on X, the executives from Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI declared that if Apple integrates OpenAI directly into its operating system, Apple devices would be prohibited on his business premises. Visitors would be required to store their Apple devices in a Faraday cage at the entrance.

Musk's comments appear to misinterpret or cast doubt on the nature of the relationship between Apple and OpenAI. Both companies have clarified that users will receive prompts asking for permission before any queries or documents are sent to ChatGPT. However, Musk's posts suggest he believes OpenAI will have extensive access to personal data via Apple's operating system.

In iOS 18, Apple introduced a feature allowing users to pose questions to Siri. If Siri determines that ChatGPT can assist, it will first seek permission to relay the question and provide an answer. This innovation enables users to access ChatGPT without needing to open the dedicated app, applying similarly to photos and documents shared with ChatGPT.

Musk, however, argues that OpenAI's capabilities should remain confined to its app, rejecting any integration with Siri. In response to comments from VC and CTO Sam Pullara at Sutter Hill Ventures, who stated that users are giving consent on an individual request basis and that OpenAI does not have device access, Musk replied, “Then leave it as an app. This is bullshit.” Pullara clarified that the way ChatGPT is integrated mirrors how the app operates, utilizing either Apple’s AI models or those supported by Apple's Private Cloud.

Moreover, Musk addressed a post by YouTuber Marques Brownlee regarding Apple’s AI initiatives, asserting that “Apple using the words ‘protect your privacy’ while handing your data over to a third-party AI they don’t understand isn’t protecting privacy at all!”

He even reacted to a post from Apple CEO Tim Cook, warning that he would ban Apple devices from his companies if the “creepy spyware” does not cease. Musk expressed disbelief that Apple could not develop its own AI while expecting OpenAI to safeguard user security and privacy. He declared, “Apple has no clue what’s going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.” While Apple may not completely understand OpenAI's operations, it is ultimately the user making the choice to share their data.

Apple also announced a new feature that provides access to ChatGPT via the “compose” function in Writing Tools. This allows users to request ChatGPT to create content, such as bedtime stories or generate illustrations to enhance their writing. These features enable users to utilize ChatGPT without needing to create an account, which is beneficial for OpenAI, as it anticipates a surge of requests from Apple users.

Musk appears to be leveraging concerns over privacy to amplify his complaints, anticipating that many Apple users may not grasp the complexities of the situation. If users had the option to select their preferred AI assistant, such as Anthropic’s Claude or Musk’s own xAI Grok, it's likely he would not be so vocally opposed to Apple's integration.

Apple maintains that user requests and information are not recorded, and ChatGPT subscribers have the optional ability to connect their accounts to access premium features directly through Apple’s AI tools. Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, confirmed, “You’re in control of when ChatGPT is used and will be warned before any of your information is shared. ChatGPT integration will be added to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia later this year.” This feature will be exclusive to iPhone Pro 15 models and devices equipped with M1 chips or newer.

OpenAI echoed these reassurances in its blog post, stating that requests are not stored, users’ IP addresses are obscured, and those who opt to connect their ChatGPT accounts will have their data preferences respected under OpenAI policies.