Apple poised to get OpenAI board observer role as part of AI pact
- The board observer role will put Apple on par with Microsoft, OpenAI’s biggest backer and its main AI technology provider
Apple will get an observer role on OpenAI’s board as part of a landmark agreement announced last month, further tightening ties between the once-unlikely partners.
Phil Schiller, the head of Apple’s App Store and its former marketing chief, was chosen for the position, according to people familiar with the situation. As a board observer, he will not be serving as a full-fledged director, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is not public.
The move follows Apple’s announcement in June that it would offer ChatGPT in the iPhone, iPad and Mac as part of a suite of artificial intelligence features. The board arrangement will take effect later this year, and Schiller has not yet attended any meetings, according to the people. Details of the situation could still change.
The board observer role will put Apple on par with Microsoft, OpenAI’s biggest backer and its main AI technology provider. The job allows someone to attend board meetings without being able to vote or exercise other director powers. Observers, however, do gain insights into how decisions are made at the company.
Representatives for Apple and OpenAI declined to comment.
