appleRecently announced with Shutterstock Apple has reached an agreement with Shutterstock to use millions of images to train its artificial intelligence models. In addition to Apple, technology companies such as Google, Meta and Amazon have also reached similar agreements with Shutterstock to develop visual AI engines. It is reported that the agreement was signed at the end of 2022 and is expected to cost Apple up to $50 million.
Earlier, there were reports that Apple was in talks with major publishers to explore the use of news article content for similar large-scale language model (LLM) training. Well-known media companies such as Conde Nast, IAC and NBC are said to have negotiated with Apple to license their content. Apple is expected to release a series of important news about integrating more AI technology into its operating system at the upcoming WWDC conference in June.
Although often considered to lag behind competitors in AI integration, Apple has made some progress in its "machine learning" technology over the past year. For example, the accuracy of predictive text has gradually improved, the ability to adapt vocabulary to user preferences has continued to improve, and Siri has improved in translating common phrases. According to rumors, the next generation of Apple processors will include a more powerful neural engine.
Apple Global MarketingadvancedVice President Greg Joswiak joked on social media that the next WWDC conference will be "absoluteIncredible,” suggesting that the conference will focus on AI-type features added to Apple operating systems such as iOS18. A major challenge for Apple in its use of AI technology is maintaining its standards for user privacy, which is a problem that other large AI-using technology companies are less concerned about. Apple recently revealed its intention to develop LLMs that can use on-device technology as much as possible.