Apple to take up observer role on OpenAI board

Apple has secured an observer role on the board of OpenAI, according to Bloomberg. The position is part of an earlier agreement between the two companies, which also involves integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Apple’s products, including Siri. Apple Fellow Phil Schiller, who oversees the App Store and product launches, will take on the board position. As an observer, Schiller can attend board meetings but cannot vote or exercise director powers. This development puts Apple on par with Microsoft, OpenAI’s primary backer, but both Microsoft and OpenAI can exclude Apple from discussions that involve their private AI plans. The arrangement is set to begin later this year, pending any changes. Apple is also reportedly in talks with other AI companies, including Google, Anthropic, Baidu, and Alibaba Group, about potential partnerships to introduce AI to its products.