As AI technology increasingly finds its way into the enterprise sector, Apple is introducing new tools to provide businesses with more detailed control over the use of artificial intelligence by their employees. With software updates set for release in September, Apple is offering enterprise customers the option to configure an enterprise version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
There is significant demand for ChatGPT for Enterprise, which OpenAI reports now serves over 5 million business customers. These companies utilize the AI service to integrate with their internal data through AI agents.
Interestingly, Apple’s integration with ChatGPT for Enterprise is not limited to merely restricting or allowing ChatGPT.
Apple’s support documents reveal that IT administrators will have the ability to restrict or permit any “external” AI provider, not just OpenAI. This approach enables Apple to potentially form agreements with other major AI entities used within enterprises without needing protocol-level code alterations.
Apple has introduced AI features for end users of its devices—such as writing tools and visual intelligence—along with means for IT departments to regulate access to these features.
While Apple supports its Private Cloud Compute architecture, it understands that businesses may require time to adjust systems and data handling. Thus, companies have the choice of processing data either in the cloud or on the device.
Businesses can select which AI functionalities to activate, and this configuration also allows businesses to decide if employees’ AI requests can be processed through ChatGPT’s cloud, even without an enterprise agreement with OpenAI. (Remember, ChatGPT has been integrated into Apple Intelligence across Apple’s platforms to manage AI requests unsuitable for Apple’s cloud directly. Because requests do not transition from Apple’s cloud to ChatGPT directly, it’s easier to disable the ChatGPT setting.)
In addition to AI updates for enterprises set for fall release, Apple is debuting other features for its major customers.
An API for Apple Business Manager will become available, facilitating integration with other IT tools like MDM products, inventory management services, and help desks. New tools for Device Management are also being introduced to simplify migrating devices to different management services, especially pertinent in M&A situations.
Apple’s Return to Service feature, which allows devices to be quickly wiped and prepared for new users, will now offer an option to keep apps installed, saving time and bandwidth by eliminating the need for reinstallation. Additionally, Return to Service will be available for Vision Pro for the first time.
On shared Macs, an authenticated Guest Mode allows employees to log in with credentials from their identity provider, and their data is erased on logout. Businesses can also add NFC readers to Macs, enabling employees to log in using a watch or phone tap.
These tools will become available in September as part of Apple’s comprehensive software updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more.