Either stop creepy spyware or will ban all Apple devices of my companies: Elon Musk warns over OpenAI deal

Elon Musk has recently threatened to ban all Apple devices from his companies, including Tesla and Twitter, due to issues surrounding Apple's involvement with OpenAI. The statement from the Tesla CEO surfaced after the iPhone maker announced its partnership with OpenAI on Monday. Musk lashed out at Apple and termed it an “Unacceptable security violation.”

In a string of tweets, Musk also expressed concern over the protection of user’s information. Calling the integration unethical, he said, “don’t want it.” “Either stop this creepy spyware or all Apple devices will be banned from the premises of my companies,” Musk said while responding to a post on X by Apple CEO Tim Cook.

If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2024

In a subsequent tweet, he said, “It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!”

It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!

Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2024

What is the matter all about?

Musk's discontent stems from his belief that OpenAI, initially founded as a non-profit to promote open-source AI development, has shifted towards a profit-driven model heavily influenced by Microsoft's significant investments.

He expressed concern that OpenAI is now essentially controlled by Microsoft, diverging from its original mission. 

Musk has shown a willingness to take drastic steps if necessary.

It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!

Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2024

Notably, the whole episode began after Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted, “Introducing Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that puts powerful generative models at the core of iPhone, iPad, and Mac.”

It’s personal, powerful, and private—and it’s integrated into the apps you rely on every day.

Introducing Apple Intelligence—our next chapter in AI. https://t.co/uOfIrcTYm7

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 10, 2024