She should be the future of AI at Apple – and her company, Apple’s next acquisition

She should be the future of AI at Apple – and her company, Apple’s next acquisition

  • 25.03.2025 16:59
  • 9to5mac.com
  • Keywords: AI, Apple

Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, has founded Thinking Machines Lab with top AI experts. Apple is considering acquiring her startup to enhance its AI capabilities and potentially position itself as a leader in the field.

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Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Apple's AI strategy and potential acquisition of Thinking Machines Lab could significantly impact its market position.

OpenAI

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: N/A

Mentioned as a key player in AI but not directly involved in the main narrative about Apple.

Context

Analysis of Apple's Potential Acquisition of Thinking Machines Lab

Acquisition Potential

  • Target: Thinking Machines Lab (TML), led by Mira Murati, former CTO at OpenAI.
  • Key Facts:
    • TML has assembled a team of over 30 experts from leading AI firms like OpenAI, Meta, and Google DeepMind.
    • Focuses on multimodal AI models with practical applications.
    • Murati's vision emphasizes human-AI collaboration and customizable AI systems.
  • Estimated Cost: Acquisition could cost Apple over $20 billion, making it the largest acquisition in its history.

Competitive Landscape

  • Apple's Position:
    • Lags behind competitors like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon in AI development.
    • Siri, a key AI feature, has underperformed and is seen as unreliable.
  • Market Dynamics:
    • TML’s talent pool would make it difficult for other tech giants (e.g., Google, Meta) to acquire the startup.
    • Apple’s potential acquisition could secure top AI talent and position it as a leader in AI innovation.

Strategic Implications

  • Immediate Benefits:
    • Access to cutting-edge AI research and expertise.
    • Potential to enhance Siri and other AI-driven products.
  • Long-term Vision:
    • Opportunity to transform Apple into an AI-first company, competing directly with major AI players.
    • Murati could play a pivotal role in shaping Apple’s future, possibly even becoming CEO.

Market Impact

  • For Apple:
    • Strengthens its position in the AI race, potentially making it less reliant on third-party AI providers.
    • Could redefine computing by integrating AI as the foundation of its ecosystem.
  • For Competitors:
    • Acquiring TML would reduce competition for other tech giants, who may also be eyeing similar talent.

Long-term Effects and Risks

  • Potential Outcomes:
    • Success could solidify Apple’s dominance in AI-driven computing.
    • Failure to capitalize on TML’s potential could leave Apple lagging behind competitors.
  • Regulatory Considerations:
    • No immediate mention of regulatory hurdles, but large acquisitions often face scrutiny.

Conclusion

Apple’s acquisition of Thinking Machines Lab represents a critical opportunity to regain momentum in the AI race. Securing Murati and her team could position Apple as a leader in AI innovation, with implications for its product ecosystem, competitive positioning, and long-term growth. However, the success of this move will depend on effective integration and execution.