Apple in talks to use Baidu’s generative AI in China

Apple has held preliminary talks with Baidu about using the Chinese company’s generative AI technology in its devices in China, the latest example of the company’s efforts to catch up after being caught flat-footed in generative AI.
Raffaele Huang for The Wall Street Journal:
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The U.S. tech giant has been exploring using external partners to help accelerate its AI ambitions. It has held discussions with companies including Google and OpenAI about using their technology to power its mobile features.
In China, Apple has been looking for a local generative AI model provider, mainly because China requires such models to be vetted by its cyberspace regulator before being launched to the public, people familiar with the matter said.
Leading generative AI models including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini aren’t available in China. Apple rival Samsung’s newest Galaxy smartphone uses Gemini outside of China and Baidu’s Ernie in China to power some AI features.
Apple already stores its China data — photos, documents and messages uploaded by Apple users — in a cloud operated by a state-owned partner, complying with laws mandating that customer data collected in the country be stored locally.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook is visiting China this week… Cook has paid several visits to China and met with senior Chinese officials since China reopened its borders in the wake of the pandemic.
He is among U.S. executives heading to the Chinese capital this weekend for the China Development Forum, an annual gathering where global business leaders rub shoulders with Chinese policymakers.

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MacDailyNews Take: One benefit of Apple missing the boat on generative AI is that if they’re forced to license while they catch up, they can always blame Google, Baidu, etc. for any questionable results delivered on Apple devices with simple badges stating, “Powered by the CIA, er, Google Gemini” and “Powered by the CCP, er, Baidu Ernie.”
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