[kromem]

Apple's AI strategy is edge computing, which is very smart given their processor advantage.

But edge LLMs for general purpose aren't there yet and won't be for some time, so a partnership with a leading centralized LLM provider makes a lot of sense.

Do simple low hanging fruit LLM work like actual autocomplete at the edge on the device, and kick more difficult workloads to the AI partnership.

If the tech plateaus your edge computing will eventually catch up and you won't need the partnership but won't have lost market share in the meantime, and if it doesn't you'll continue to split the workloads.

[ninjha01]

But this is equally true for partnering with Microsoft or Google. Why go for OAI over the other bigger, actually owning infra players?

[kromem]

One possibility is regulatory oversight.

Apple and Microsoft striking a deal is going to get more attention and review than Apple and a much smaller company in market cap and share.