Tim Cook confirms Apple working on generative AI, users may receive features by 2024

Ever since OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot that wowed us all with its human-like responses, discussions about Apple coming with a similar tech have been doing rounds on the internet. And now, Apple CEO Tim Cook has also started talking about it. In August this year, Cook revealed that Apple has been working on gen AI capabilities “for years” and will continue investing in it. And during a recent call with investors, Cook has confirmed that Apple is indeed working on generative AI. He said that the company wants to be responsible with the technology and there is work going on in the area.

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Tim Cook talks about generative AI

According to a 9 to 5 Mac report, Tim Cook, during an investors call, said that Apple is working on generative AI and that the company wants to be responsible with it. Several rumours also suggest that users might get these AI features by 2024. However, this information should be taken with a pinch of salt as it is not yet confirmed and a mere speculation.

Coming back to Cook’s statement, he said as per the report that there is “work going on” when it comes to generative AI.

He said, “In terms of generative AI, obviously, we have work going on. I’m not going to get into details about what it is, because as you know, we really don’t do that. But you can bet that we’re investing. We’re investing quite a bit. We’re going to do it responsibly, and it will. You will see product advancements over time where those technologies are at the heart of them.”

When Cook hinted at Apple’s work on gen AI

In August this year, Cook had hinted towards Apple’s plans with respect to generative AI. During an interview with Reuters, he said that the company has been investing in generative AI for a long time and the same is showing up in their R&D spending as well. Apple’s research and development spending has hit USD 22.61 billion for the fiscal year so far, which is about USD 3.12 billion higher than at this point last year.

While speaking to Reuters, Cook said, “We’ve been doing research across a wide range of AI technologies, including generative AI, for years. We’re going to continue investing and innovating and responsibly advancing our products with these technologies to help enrich people’s lives. Obviously, we’re investing a lot, and it is showing up in the R&D spending that you’re looking at.”

On a related note, Apple is also hiring for generative AI roles and the same is clear when you head to its US careers page. When you type in the keyword ‘Generative AI’, there are many search results that show up.