Apple is reportedly developing a rival to OpenAI’s ChatGPT through its “Answers” team, while also advancing work on the iPhone 17 Pro.

The tech company has seen several AI researchers depart for Meta Platforms and is now focusing efforts on strengthening its artificial intelligence capabilities.

The Answers team is working on a chatbot-style search experience, and recent sightings of the iPhone 17 Pro suggest the device is approaching its launch.

According to AInvest, Apple has intensified its AI efforts under CEO Tim Cook, who described the technology as “as transformational as the internet, smartphones, cloud computing, and apps” during a recent internal town hall.

Cook encouraged faster action to avoid being outpaced by rivals, signalling a shift away from Apple’s traditionally cautious market entry strategy.

The company has acquired seven AI startups in 2025 alone and remains open to larger mergers to accelerate progress.

Around 40% of Apple’s 12,000 new hires last year were focused on AI-related roles, and it is currently developing a proprietary AI chip, codenamed “Baltra”, as well as building an AI-specific server facility in Houston.

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