Summary
In June 2024, Elon Musk threatened to ban Apple devices at his companies over Apple’s OpenAI deal. He called the plan an “unacceptable security violation.” This article records the dispute and Apple’s privacy statements at the time.
Background
Apple announced its OpenAI partnership at WWDC24 on June 10, 2024. Musk responded on X with a threat to ban Apple devices at his companies.
What Apple Announced at Its 2024 Developer Event
Apple announced Apple Intelligence for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The 2024 plan let users ask ChatGPT for help through Siri and Writing Tools. Apple said it would ask before sending a request. Devices would handle many tasks. Private Cloud Compute could handle complex ones. Read our Apple Intelligence overview and WWDC24 recap.
Musk’s Threat to Ban Apple Devices
Musk criticized Apple’s partnership on X. He called the integration a “serious security violation”. He said Apple devices would be banned from Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures if it went ahead.
“Integrating OpenAI at the OS level is an unacceptable security risk. If Apple proceeds, their devices will be banned at all my companies,” Musk declared on X. He said staff and visitors would have to leave Apple devices at the door. He proposed storing them in Faraday cages, which block electromagnetic signals.
What was Apple’s response at the time?
When this article appeared in June 2024, reports said Apple had not answered Musk’s threat. Apple had described how it would process requests and ask before sending them to ChatGPT. Those statements described product privacy. They did not address Musk’s proposed workplace ban.
What Apple Said About Privacy
Musk said OpenAI access could put user data at risk. “Apple has no control over what happens to your data once OpenAI gets it. They’re compromising your privacy,” he warned on X.
Apple said users would approve ChatGPT requests. It said Private Cloud Compute requests would not be stored or accessible to Apple.
List the customer data an AI service can access. Decide who approves transfers. Check the provider’s current documentation before sharing sensitive information.
Conclusion
In June 2024, Musk made a public threat about Apple devices and ChatGPT. This article records that statement and Apple’s product claims at the time. Check current company policies before choosing devices or AI tools.
Sources
- Apple: Introducing Apple Intelligence for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- CNBC: Musk to ban Apple devices from his companies over OpenAI deal
