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Apple’s Phil Schiller Joins OpenAI Board as Non-Voting Observer

Author

Alicia Shapiro
July 03, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

An illustration showing Phil Schiller joining OpenAI’s board. The image features Schiller in a business setting, with Apple and OpenAI logos in the background. The scene includes elements representing AI technology, such as neural networks and digital interfaces, highlighting the collaboration between Apple and OpenAI. The design emphasizes Schiller’s role as an observer, with a focus on innovation and partnership

Apple’s Phil Schiller Joins OpenAI Board as Non-Voting Observer

Apple has selected Phil Schiller, head of the App Store and former marketing chief, to represent the company on OpenAI’s nonprofit board, according to Bloomberg. Schiller will occupy an observer role, allowing him to attend board meetings without voting rights or directorial duties.

Enhancing AI Integration

This move will enable Schiller to gain insights into OpenAI's operations as Apple plans to integrate ChatGPT into iOS and macOS later this year. The enhanced Siri will be able to handle more advanced queries by leveraging ChatGPT, provided users grant permission. While no financial transactions are involved in the partnership at this stage, Apple is anticipated to receive a percentage of ChatGPT subscriptions made through its platforms in the future.

Complex Collaborations

Microsoft joined OpenAI's board last year in a similar non-voting observer role. With both Apple and Microsoft on the board, discussions and plans may become more intricate. Bloomberg notes that it's uncommon for Apple executives to take board seats at partner companies, making this a notable exception.