Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, is the guardian of all the Cupertino company’s plans, and when he speaks, his words weigh more than any official statement. In a recent interview with WiredCook offered a clear vision of the Apple strategy in the field of artificial intelligence and revealed key details about the future of the Vision Pro, the mixed reality device that promises to mark a before and after in the technology industry.
During the talk, Cook addressed criticism of Apple’s alleged delay in adopting generative artificial intelligence and highlighted its commitment to privacy and technological integration.
Apple Intelligence: a slow approach to AI
Cook explained that Apple has been working on the basis of its artificial intelligence technology for years. Since 2017, the company has integrated neural engines into its devices and, in 2018, hired John Giannandrea, a prominent Google executive, to lead development in this field.
“We see artificial intelligence like we saw multitouch: a transformative technology,” Cook said. However, Apple has chosen not to rush. Instead of rushing out products, the company is gradually integrating AI capabilities in their ecosystem through software updates, although for many they are late.
In addition, Cook confirmed the collaboration with OpenAI, highlighting that Apple works with “the pioneer” in this sector. Although he left open the possibility of developing his own language models, he praised the value of this strategic alliance.
A key feature of Apple’s AI is its focus on privacy. According to Cook, the processing of most artificial intelligence tasks is performed directly on users’ devices, minimizing dependence on the cloud and ensuring the security of personal data.
Tim Cook defends Apple’s security
The Apple Vision Pro, which has generated opinions of all kinds and from both sides since its announcement, was another topic discussed in the interview. Cook admitted that it is a product for “early adopters” (people interested in innovations and technology), but showed confidence in its evolution. He pointed out that the growing offer of applications compatible with mixed reality glasses and the possibility of developing a more compact design in the future could change the perception of the product in the market, opening it up to all audiences.
Beyond AI and the Vision Pro, Cook reiterated one of his most interesting statements: Apple’s greatest legacy will be in the field of health. He highlighted the Apple Watch’s advanced capabilities, such as atrial fibrillation detection and blood oxygen measurement, and revealed that the company is investigating how artificial intelligence could be used to make early medical diagnoses.
Throughout the conversation, Cook maintained Apple’s stance as a privacy-focused company. By integrating artificial intelligence into its ecosystem, Apple seeks to ensure that users do not have to sacrifice the security of their data. This contrasts with the idea of other technology giants and reinforces Apple’s image as a leader in privacy protection.