Apple has secured an observer role on OpenAI’s board as part of a previous agreement with the firm, Bloomberg reported on July 2.
Apple Fellow Phil Schiller, known for overseeing the company’s App Store, managing product launch events, and previous marketing leadership, will take on this board position.
Schiller’s role as an observer allows him to attend board meetings without the ability to vote or exercise directorial powers. While he has not yet participated in any board meetings, he will have the option to do so once the arrangement, which is still subject to change, is implemented later this year.
Bloomberg noted that this observer role “places Apple alongside Microsoft,” the primary backer and AI technology provider for OpenAI. However, Apple may be excluded from discussions and meetings related to private AI plans involving OpenAI and Microsoft.
Bloomberg’s sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that this issue is not public knowledge. Both Apple and OpenAI declined to comment on Bloomberg’s inquiry.
Position stems from previous partnership
Bloomberg disclosed that this board position stems from an earlier agreement between OpenAI and Apple, which includes Apple integrating ChatGPT into its various products.
Apple announced the OpenAI partnership on June 10, introducing its broader personal intelligence system, Apple Intelligence.
Among other features, this collaboration unites two flagship products, enabling Apple’s Siri to access OpenAI’s ChatGPT with user consent.
According to Bloomberg, this agreement is non-financial in nature.
The report also highlighted Apple’s potential for expanding AI partnerships beyond OpenAI. Discussions are ongoing with Google and Anthropic, and talks are underway with Baidu and Alibaba Group to introduce AI capabilities to Apple products in China.
Bloomberg indicated on June 30 that Apple may announce the Google partnership in the fall when unveiling features developed in collaboration with OpenAI.
