Apple May Get Observer Role On OpenAI Board: Report

Apple may secure an observer role on OpenAI’s board as part of a AI partnership announced last month, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday. 

Phil Schiller, head of Apple’s App Store and its former marketing chief, has reportedly been selected for the position. Although the board arrangement will take effect later this year, Schiller has not yet attended any meetings, according to the report.

Observers on a board can attend meetings and gain insights into the decision-making process but do not have voting rights or other powers typically held by directors. This role will possibly allow Apple to closely monitor OpenAI’s strategic decisions and developments. 

This collaboration follows Apple’s June announcement of integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its devices and enhancing its “Apple Intelligence” technology across various apps, including Siri. OpenAI, which has been expanding its leadership team, announced in March the appointment of new board members. These include company CEO Sam Altman, former Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former Sony Entertainment president Nicole Seligman, and Instacart CEO Fidji Simo.

(Inputs from Reuters)