According to tech media outlet Business Insider, Apple may be considering a multi-billion dollar acquisition to bolster its competitiveness in the artificial intelligence (AI) field. Thinking Machines Lab, founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, is a potential target. The team comprises over 30 top experts from OpenAI, Meta, and Google DeepMind, focusing on developing multi-modal AI models.
Currently, Apple employs a "platform + self-developed" hybrid AI strategy, providing an iOS environment for cutting-edge AI products while also developing proprietary features through Apple Intelligence. However, compared to competitors like Microsoft and Google offering enterprise-level AI services, Apple's technological advantage isn't clearly defined. Despite appointing AR/VR head Mike Rockwell to revamp Siri, core reliability issues persist, and recent Apple Intelligence upgrades haven't addressed these fundamental performance flaws.
Image Source Note: Image generated by AI, licensed through Midjourney.
After leaving OpenAI in September 2024, Murati established Thinking Machines Lab. The team boasts extensive experience in generative AI and large language models. The company aims to develop customizable multi-modal systems to address current AI shortcomings in personalized applications and public understanding. Thinking Machines Lab is reportedly seeking $100 million in funding at a $9 billion valuation.
If this deal goes through, it would not only be Apple's largest acquisition ever but also fundamentally reshape its AI strategy. Successfully productizing Murati's team's AI technology could revolutionize Siri and open new revenue streams for Apple, such as enterprise-level AI services.
Apple's AI investments are crucial, especially given the increasingly competitive market. Acquiring Thinking Machines Lab would be a significant step towards more advanced AI technology, potentially leading to a far more personalized and intelligent Siri experience for users.
