What is the role of Apple's 'Answers' team in its AI push?

Apple has formed a new "Answers" team to develop an in-house, ChatGPT-like "answer engine." This strategic shift signals Apple's move away from sole reliance on partners like OpenAI. The team's goal is to build a proprietary system that can power future versions of Siri, Safari, and other products, addressing a key gap in its current AI roadmap.

Aug 4, 2025, 08:01 EDT
Apple CEO Tim Cook launched a new 'Answers' team to develop their own conversational AI tool.
Apple CEO Tim Cook launched a new 'Answers' team to develop their own conversational AI tool.

In a significant shift to its AI strategy, Apple has reportedly established a new internal team dedicated to creating its own conversational AI tool. While the company initially partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri, CEO Tim Cook and other executives are now making a bold move to accelerate Apple's AI roadmap by developing technology in-house. This new initiative, known as the "Answers, Knowledge and Information" team, is Apple's most concrete step toward building a direct competitor to AI chatbots. It signals a recognition that in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, relying solely on external partners may not be enough to meet consumer expectations or maintain a competitive edge.

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What is the new "Answers" team at Apple and what is its plan for a ChatGPT-like product?

Apple's new "Answers, Knowledge and Information" team, or AKI, is a group of engineers tasked with building an in-house "answer engine." This engine is a ChatGPT-like product designed to crawl the web to provide conversational, general-knowledge answers, rather than simply displaying a list of search results. The answers team is reportedly exploring both a standalone app and new backend infrastructure to power enhanced search capabilities in future versions of Siri, Spotlight, and Safari.

Why Did Apple Shift from an OpenAI Partnership to In-House AI Development?

Apple's strategic shift from a partnership with OpenAI to in-house development is a response to both market pressure and internal concerns. Despite a lucrative search deal with Google, which is facing antitrust scrutiny, Apple's current Apple Intelligence suite lacks the advanced conversational search of its rivals. While the ChatGPT integration with Siri provided a temporary solution, the company is now betting that an in-house platform will offer greater control, better privacy, and a more seamless user experience that aligns with its long-term vision.

What Challenges Does Apple Face in Accelerating Its AI Roadmap?

Apple faces several challenges in accelerating its AI roadmap. The company has been criticized for being late to the generative AI space, and its new answers team is playing catch-up to established competitors. A key challenge is talent; while Apple is hiring, it faces fierce competition for top AI researchers. The company must also overcome internal skepticism about AI chatbots, and deliver a polished, high-quality product that lives up to the expectations of its users, a goal that has reportedly caused delays in the planned Siri overhaul.

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Conclusion

The formation of the "Answers, Knowledge and Information" team marks a significant turning point in Apple's AI push. Under CEO Tim Cook's direction, the company is moving to develop its own Apple chatbot and in-house search algorithms, recognizing that this technology is as transformative as the internet itself. This pivot away from a singular reliance on external partners signals a long-term commitment to building a proprietary AI ecosystem. While challenges lie ahead, the answers team is a crucial step toward establishing Apple as a major force in the evolving world of artificial intelligence.

Alisha Louis
Alisha Louis

Content Writer

    Alisha Louis is a US Content Specialist with a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) graduate degree. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she specializes in covering trending news and educational developments across the United States. Her work combines journalistic precision with engaging narratives, making complex topics accessible and relevant for a diverse audience. Dedicated to delivering timely and trustworthy content, Alisha brings a fresh, insightful perspective to every piece she writes.

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    FAQs

    • How does Apple's new AI strategy compare to its rivals like Google and OpenAI?
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      Apple's approach, known as "Apple Intelligence," prioritizes privacy by focusing on on-device processing. This differs from rivals like Google and OpenAI, who rely on large-scale, cloud-based models. While Apple's method offers greater security, it has faced criticism for lagging in development and scalability compared to its competitors.
    • Is Apple still working with OpenAI?
      +
      Yes, Apple still has a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri for certain capabilities, but the new team is focused on developing a proprietary, in-house alternative.
    • What is the name of Apple's new AI team?
      +
      Apple's new AI team is called "Answers, Knowledge and Information," or AKI, and is focused on developing an in-house answer engine.

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