Elon Musk issued a threat to bar iPhones from his companies in response to Apple's recent announcement of OpenAI integrations at WWDC 2024. In a series of social media posts, the Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI executive stated that if Apple proceeds to integrate OpenAI at the OS level, Apple devices will be prohibited at his businesses. 

Visitors would be required to check their Apple devices at the door, where they would be stored in a Faraday cage.

Musk's statements suggest a misunderstanding or scepticism regarding the privacy implications of Apple's collaboration with OpenAI. Despite assurances from both Apple and OpenAI that users are prompted for permission before any questions, documents, or photos are sent to ChatGPT, Musk's comments imply concern that OpenAI could potentially access personal data through deep integration into Apple's operating system.

Apple's iOS 18 update enables users to ask Siri questions, and if Siri determines ChatGPT can provide assistance, it seeks permission to share the query and provide a direct response. This feature allows users to interact with ChatGPT seamlessly without needing to open the ChatGPT iOS app. Similarly, photos, PDFs, or other documents intended for ChatGPT undergo the same permission-based process.

Musk, however, insists that OpenAI’s functionalities should remain confined to a dedicated app rather than being integrated into Siri.

In response to Sam Pullara, VC and CTO at Sutter Hill Ventures, who explained that user approval is required on a per-request basis and that OpenAI does not access the device, Musk expressed his disagreement bluntly: “Then keep it as an app. This is unacceptable.”

Pullara clarified that the integration of ChatGPT mirrors the functionality of the current ChatGPT app. The AI models operate on-device, utilizing either Apple’s proprietary models or those hosted on Apple’s Private Cloud.

Addressing a post on X by YouTuber Marques Brownlee, which delved into Apple Intelligence, Musk criticized Apple’s stance on privacy: “Apple’s claims of ‘protecting your privacy’ while entrusting your data to a third-party AI that they do not fully comprehend and cannot develop themselves does not ensure privacy at all!”

He also responded to a post by Apple CEO Tim Cook, threatening to ban Apple devices from his companies if Cook didn’t “stop this intrusive spyware.”

“It’s ridiculous that Apple can’t develop their own AI yet claims to ensure OpenAI protects your security and privacy!” Musk exclaimed in one of his numerous posts about the new integrations. “Apple has no idea what happens once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re betraying your trust,” he added. While Apple may not fully understand how OpenAI operates internally, technically, it’s the user who decides to share their data.

Apple also unveiled another integration allowing users to access ChatGPT system-wide via Writing Tools with a “compose” feature. For instance, users can ask ChatGPT to write a bedtime story in a document for their child or generate images in various styles to complement their writing. These features will give Apple users free access to ChatGPT without needing to create an account, which could lead to a surge in requests for OpenAI.

Of course, many Apple users may not grasp the nuances of these privacy concerns, which Musk is highlighting through his complaints. If users could choose their preferred AI assistant for Siri or writing assistance, such as Anthropic’s Claude or xAI’s Grok, Musk might not be as vocally critical about the risks of such an integration. (Interestingly, Apple hinted at integrating Google Gemini in a future post-keynote session.)

Apple stated in its announcement that user requests and information are not logged, although ChatGPT subscribers can link their accounts to access paid features directly within Apple’s AI experiences.

“Users have control over when ChatGPT is used, and they will be prompted before any information is shared. ChatGPT integration is scheduled for release later this year with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia,” said Apple SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi. These features will initially be available on iPhone Pro 15 models and devices with M1 or newer chips.

OpenAI echoed similar assurances in its blog post, emphasizing that “requests are not stored, and users’ IP addresses are anonymized.” Users also have the option to connect their ChatGPT account, ensuring their data preferences align with ChatGPT’s policies, which are detailed in the optional paid subscription.