# OpenAI’s Latest Funding Round: Apple Enters the AI Competition
OpenAI, the organization responsible for the widely-used AI language model ChatGPT, is reportedly pursuing a new funding round that could elevate the company’s valuation to over $100 billion. Recent information suggests that tech behemoth Apple is negotiating to invest in OpenAI, joining forces with its existing principal investor, Microsoft. This potential collaboration signifies a vital step in the ongoing rivalry between tech companies aiming to enhance their artificial intelligence proficiencies.
## The Funding Environment
As per a report from *The Wall Street Journal*, Apple is in discussions to back OpenAI as part of a more extensive fundraising initiative. Although specific figures regarding the investment amounts from Apple or Microsoft remain undisclosed, the report notes that Microsoft has been a key strategic investor in OpenAI, having injected around $13 billion since 2019. Microsoft currently possesses a 49% stake in OpenAI’s profits, positioning it as a pivotal entity within the AI domain.
OpenAI is reportedly aiming to secure several billion dollars in this funding phase, with venture capital firm Thrive Capital anticipated to spearhead the effort with a $1 billion investment. This influx of financial support could further augment OpenAI’s research and development prowess, enabling it to sustain its competitive advantage in the swiftly changing AI landscape.
## Deepening Connections Between Apple and OpenAI
The prospective investment from Apple is particularly significant as it correlates with the company’s attempts to enhance its AI initiatives. Apple plans to integrate ChatGPT into its forthcoming iOS 18, enabling the AI model to process world knowledge inquiries alongside Siri. This integration is expected to improve the user experience on Apple devices, making Siri more intelligent and interactive.
Interestingly, sources indicate that neither Apple nor OpenAI is financially compensating the other for this collaboration. Instead, Apple anticipates that the exposure and capabilities obtained through the integration of ChatGPT hold equivalent or greater value than a financial exchange. This cooperative tactic reflects an increasing trend among tech firms to harness partnerships in the quest for AI progress.
## Upcoming AI Innovations
In addition to ChatGPT, Apple is expected to integrate other AI models into iOS 18. At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple’s software engineering executive Craig Federighi hinted at the potential inclusion of support for Google’s Gemini AI model. The choice to prioritize ChatGPT initially stemmed from Apple’s intent to “start with the best,” reflecting a strategic method for AI integration.
As Apple continues to investigate AI technologies, the partnership with OpenAI could set the stage for groundbreaking features and functions within its products, further reinforcing its standing in the competitive tech arena.
## Closing Thoughts
Apple’s potential investment in OpenAI highlights the increasing significance of artificial intelligence within the tech sector. As companies like Apple and Microsoft compete for supremacy in AI, partnerships and strategic investments will be crucial in influencing the future of technology. With OpenAI’s ambitious fundraising goals and Apple’s dedication to bolstering its AI capabilities, the upcoming months are likely to usher in substantial advancements in the field of artificial intelligence.
