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AI - August 3, 2025

Apple Chief Executive Predicts AI to Match or Surpass Impact of Internet and Smartphones

Apple Chief Executive Predicts AI to Match or Surpass Impact of Internet and Smartphones

In a significant statement addressing Apple’s employees at its Cupertino, California headquarters, CEO Tim Cook has asserted that the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) race among tech giants is comparable in scale to the advent of the internet, smartphones, cloud computing, and apps. Emphasizing the importance of AI for Apple’s future, Cook declared, “We must seize this opportunity,” underscoring his belief that despite being relatively late in the development of AI tools, Apple has the potential to outperform its competitors.

Cook reflected on Apple’s historical trajectory, highlighting instances where the company wasn’t initially the first to market a product but managed to revolutionize it with its innovative approach: “There was a PC before the Mac; there was a smartphone before the iPhone; there were many tablets before the iPad; there was an MP3 player before iPod.” Expressing optimism about AI, Cook stated, “This is how I feel about AI.”

The CEO elaborated on the practical steps Apple is taking to ensure its AI ambitions become a reality. He revealed that 40% of the 12,000 employees hired last year are dedicated to research and development in AI. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly investing heavily in AI, as evidenced by the development of a new cloud-computing chip code-named Baltra, intended to power advanced AI features.

In addition, Cook expressed openness to acquisitions as a strategy for bolstering Apple’s position in the AI race. This strategic approach aligns with recent reports that Apple is considering potential acquisitions to accelerate its AI initiatives.

The competitive pressure within the AI sector is escalating, with executives from various tech companies emphasizing the need for intense focus and commitment to succeed. For instance, former Google CEO Sergey Brin recently announced expectations of 60-hour work weeks, primarily in the office, to ensure victory in the AI race.

The high-stakes competition in the AI sector has also been accompanied by allegations of intense pressure and burnout within companies like OpenAI. Former engineer Calvin French-Owen, who recently departed from OpenAI, publicly discussed the high-pressure, secretive environment at the company, which reportedly led to widespread burnout among staff.