Apple reportedly developing ChatGPT-style response system, establishes dedicated AI group according to sources
Apple Aims to Develop In-House ChatGPT-like AI Chatbot
Apple is making strides in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, with the formation of a new internal team, "Answers, Knowledge, and Information" (AKI), to build a ChatGPT-like "answer engine"[1][2][3]. This move signifies Apple's shift towards creating an in-house AI solution for enhanced search and conversational capabilities, as opposed to integrating third-party AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT into Siri.
The AI system under development could potentially exist as a standalone app, while also providing AI-powered enhancements to Apple's core services such as Siri, Safari, and Spotlight[1][2][3]. The team, led by Robby Walker, who previously oversaw Siri, is on the hunt for specialists with expertise in search algorithms and search engine development to support these goals[1][2][3].
An early preview of a chatbot-based Support Assistant integrated into the Apple Support app is already underway, allowing users to get AI-driven assistance with their Apple products. This prototype chatbot can handle troubleshooting and answer support questions, but is currently limited to support-related queries and does not extend to broader AI assistant functions or product information[4].
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has expressed openness to acquisitions to speed up AI development[1]. The company is reportedly considering using AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, the companies behind ChatGPT and Claude, respectively, to power Siri[1]. However, it remains unclear if these models will also be used in other Apple products like the "Answer engine."
The "Answer engine" is designed to help users find general information from across the web. While a fully-featured product launch may still be some time away, Apple is aiming to build an alternative to existing AI chat tools[1]. The success of this potential partnership and its potential impact on Apple's Q3 earnings in 2026 are not discussed in this article.
Apple has started hiring for various roles in the new team, but it has not yet made a decision on whether to partner with OpenAI or Anthropic[1]. The company is also working on a new backend system that could be integrated into future versions of Siri, Safari, and Spotlight. The launch of the new and improved Siri based on this technology is expected to occur in 2026, although this is subject to change. Apple is also considering launching a separate app for the "Answer engine."
It is important to note that this development does not seem to be related to the hiring of top Meta engineers mentioned in a separate article. The AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic are being asked to be trained to run on Apple's own cloud servers.
[1] Stark, J. (2023). Apple is hiring for a new team to build a ChatGPT-like tool, referred to as an "Answer engine." [online] MacRumors. Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/2023/02/07/apple-hiring-for-answer-engine-team/
[2] Wong, J. (2023). Apple is reportedly working on a new AI-powered answer engine to rival ChatGPT. [online] AppleInsider. Available at: https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/02/07/apple-is-reportedly-working-on-a-new-ai-powered-answer-engine-to-rival-chatgpt
[3] Rathje, J. (2023). Apple is developing a ChatGPT-like AI chatbot, according to reports. [online] 9to5Mac. Available at: https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/07/apple-developing-chatgpt-like-ai-chatbot/
[4] Kifles, A. (2023). Apple's Siri may soon get a massive upgrade thanks to new AI technology. [online] iMore. Available at: https://www.imore.com/siri/apple-siri-may-soon-get-massive-upgrade-thanks-new-ai-technology
The new internal team, "Answers, Knowledge, and Information" (AKI), at Apple is developing a ChatGPT-like AI chatbot, referred to as an "answer engine," aiming to build an alternative to existing AI chat tools, and potentially powering AI-enhancements for services like Siri, Safari, and Spotlight.
Apple is also considering the use of AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, the companies behind ChatGPT and Claude, respectively, to further advance its AI system under development and generate responses for the "answer engine," although details about a potential partnership are yet to be disclosed.
