Apple considers investing in OpenAI as ChatGPT arrives on iOS 18

Artificial intelligence is all the rage in mobile tech and beyond, and the big players are well aware. This past summer, Apple jumped on the bandwagon, too, unveiling its suite of AI-powered features called Apple Intelligence or AI (yeah, the company did that) through a collaboration with OpenAI, the minds behind ChatGPT. Now, it seems Apple is ready to take this partnership to the next level.

Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft are likely to pump more funds into OpenAI

OpenAI is currently in discussions to secure several billion dollars in a new funding round, which could push the valuation of the ChatGPT creator above $100 billion. A recent report (subscription required) indicates that Apple is negotiating to be part of this investment.Reportedly, Apple and Nvidia, one of the top chip makers, are in discussions to invest in OpenAI, which sounds like a strategic move that could bolster their connections with a key player in the competitive artificial intelligence landscape.

Microsoft is also expected to invest further in OpenAI, signaling that despite their growing competition and evolving partnerships, the relationship with OpenAI remains crucial for both companies.

The exact amounts Apple, Nvidia, or Microsoft might invest in this round haven’t been disclosed yet. So far, Microsoft has been the main strategic investor in OpenAI, holding a 49% share of the AI startup’s profits after pouring in $13 billion since 2019.

Nvidia, as the leading global supplier of chips for AI, has a long-standing partnership with OpenAI. It is said that OpenAI is one of Nvidia’s biggest customers, using tens of thousands of its AI chips to train its most sophisticated AI systems, including ChatGPT.

If Apple decides to invest in OpenAI, it would be an unusual move for the company, which typically avoids startup investments. Historically, Apple has focused on funding manufacturing partners to guarantee a steady flow of components for its devices.