Elon Musk's threat to ban Apple devices over partnership with OpenAI divides X users

'Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI,' Elon Musk said. (Image credit: Reuters)

Elon Musk is visibly unhappy with the new partnership between Apple and ChatGPT creator OpenAI and has even threatened to ban Apple devices at his companies X, Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, among others.

If the iPhone-maker “integrates OpenAI at the (operating system) level,” Musk said on Tuesday it would constitute “an unacceptable security violation.”

The tech billionaire added that visitors “will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage”. He was referring to an enclosure that blocks electromagnetic waves used by wireless communications such as mobile phones and the internet.

“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 and privacy!" Musk said in a separate post. "Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI.”

His comments and the threat has, however, divided social media users with one half questioning how Apple -- popular for safeguarding users data -- can share the information with OpenAI and the other half claimed that there's nothing to worry about.

"I genuinely hope Elon Musk comes out with a secure phone. For the first time ever I am regretting getting an Apple phone. My phone is very personal. The only other person allowed to touch it is my husband. I’ll burn it before letting OpenAI touch my sh**. I’d rather go back to a flip phone!" X user @Heathen_hctiB said. Another user (@giannipov) commented, "Hold on, isn't the whole point of Apple products their safety and security due to their proprietary capabilities? If AI is open source, does that mean Apple is becoming like an Android device? So, are we now paying premium prices for an open-source device?"

Artificial intelligence. Potential savior. Potential threat. Elon Musk says that Apple and Open AI are headed in the threat direction. Closed. Behind doors. Out of sight. I agree with Elon Musk. Must be having a bad day.

— Thomas Mann Jr. (@ThomasMannJr) June 11, 2024

Another section of X users pointed out why the Apple-OpenAI partnership isn't as dreadful as it is made out to be.

"Did you not see the part where they said the Open AI features were optional? Just don’t opt into it. Most of it is powered on device, or on Apples own services. The OpenAI integration is for ChatGPT support. Which is not required, you’re allowed to deny access to ChatGPT server," wrote Khalil Mirza (@criticalkids).

Another user Zee (@MhaskarChief) added, "Apple has his own AI. Open AI will only be used in some sections in SIRI, after explicit consent from the user."