Apple is reportedly courting Shutterstock to use its data trove for training its in-house AI. Cupertino is reported to be in the advanced stages of developing its in-house foundation model. It is expected to share more details about its AI plans for the future at the upcoming WWDC 2024 developers event in June.
What’s the big idea!
According to a Reuters report, Apple has signed a deal with Shutterstock to procure its pictures, videos, and music to train its AI models. Additionally, it also has signed an agreement with Defined.ai, a Seattle-based AI data firm that licenses data to technology firms for training their AI models. Early reports suggested that the iPhone 16 series could be equipped with Google’s Gemini AI and Baidu’s Ernie Bot (in China) for the AI features.
Critics argue that Apple is not the only one as Meta, Google and Amazon are also reported to have struck similar deals. ‘The size of the deals tech companies initially entered ranged from $25 million (roughly Rs. 208 crores) to $50 million (roughly Rs. 416 crores) each,’ Jarrod Yahes, chief financial officer, Shutterstock, told Reuters.
Industry reacts!
Industry experts believe that the collaboration between Apple and Shutterstock can bring a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of AI. By adding on Shutterstock’s extensive data repository, Apple has the potential to drive its AI capabilities to new heights. “ This move underscores a forward-thinking approach towards harnessing rich datasets to train AI models effectively. Such initiatives not only foster innovation but also signify a concerted effort towards unlocking new frontiers in artificial intelligence, ultimately benefiting both industries and consumers alike,” Vijay Navaluri, co-founder and CCO, Supervity, explained.
Furthermore, collaboration can emerge as the optimal path forward in AI development, focusing on the critical need for both robust software algorithms and ethically sourced, legitimate data. “Trust is a cornerstone in AI platforms and can supersede all other considerations. Rather than resorting to data theft, fostering partnerships ensures the integrity and reliability of AI solutions, laying the foundation for sustainable innovation and societal benefit,” Ankush Sabharwal, founder, CoRover.ai and BharatGPT, concluded.