Apple may acquire Thinking Machines Lab, Siri will be reinvented

According to technology media Business Insider, Apple may be considering a multi-billion dollar deal to enhance its competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Thinking Machines Lab, founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, became a potential acquisition target for Apple, with the team bringing together more than 30 top experts from OpenAI, Meta and Google DeepMind to focus on developing multimodal AI models.

At present, Apple has adopted a hybrid model of "platform + self-developed" in its AI strategy, which not only provides an iOS operating environment for cutting-edge AI products, but also develops its own functions through Apple Intelligence. However, Apple's technological advantages are not obvious compared to competitors of enterprise-level AI services such as Microsoft and Google. Although Apple has appointed Mike Rockwell, head of AR/VR, to reform Siri, the core reliability issues of Siri still exist, and the latest Apple Intelligence upgrades have failed to solve these shortcomings in basic performance.

After leaving OpenAI in September 2024, Murati formed Thinking Machines Lab, and the team has accumulated extensive experience in the fields of generative AI and large language models. The company’s goal is to develop customizable multimodal systems to fill current AI shortcomings in personalized applications and public understanding. It is reported that Thinking Machines Lab is seeking $100 million in financing at a valuation of $9 billion.

If the deal is finally reached, it will not only become the largest acquisition in Apple's history, but it will also bring fundamental changes to Apple's AI strategy. If Murati's team successfully productizes AI technology, it may completely transform Siri and open up new revenue channels for Apple such as enterprise-level AI services.

Apple's layout in the AI ​​field is particularly important, especially when facing increasingly fierce market competition. The acquisition of Thinking Machines Lab will be a big step for Apple to take toward more advanced AI technology, and Siri in the future may bring users a more personalized and intelligent experience.