Apple is releasing new tools that will provide companies more precise control over where and how their employees can use AI as it becomes more prevalent in the workplace. The tech giant is giving enterprise clients an additional choice with the September release of Apple software updates: the ability to set up the use of an enterprise version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
The demand for ChatGPT for Enterprise, which OpenAI claims currently has over 5 million commercial clients, has already been recognized by Apple. When employing AI agents, these businesses link to their own internal data via the AI service.
The intriguing thing about Apple’s connection with ChatGPT for Enterprise, though, is that it is not hardcoded to either permit or prohibit ChatGPT exclusively.
Rather, according to Apple’s support documentation, IT managers will have the ability to limit or permit any “external” artificial intelligence provider—not simply OpenAI’s technology. Without having to rewrite the rules at the protocol level, Apple can now negotiate other agreements with major AI companies that are utilized in business settings.
Apple has introduced methods for IT departments to manage access to new AI features that are targeted at the end users of its devices, such as writing tools and visual intelligence.
Although the business is confident in its Private Cloud Compute architecture, it is aware that getting businesses to consent to modifications involving sensitive systems and data can take some time.For this reason, it is up to enterprises to determine whether, for instance, data should be handled on the device or in the cloud.
This configuration not only lets companies select which AI capabilities to activate, but it also lets them determine whether or not staff members’ AI queries can be routed to ChatGPT’s cloud service, even if the company does not have an enterprise agreement with OpenAI. As you may remember, ChatGPT has been integrated with Apple Intelligence throughout its software platform to manage AI requests that are not able to be handled by Apple’s own cloud. It is simpler to turn off ChatGPT because queries are never sent straight from Apple’s cloud to ChatGPT; instead, they are either/or.)
Apple is introducing additional functionality to its biggest clients, but AI improvements are the centerpiece of the enterprise-related updates that will be released in the fall.
It will launch an API for its Apple Business Manager service, which will allow the service’s functions to be integrated into other IT tools, like MDM products, inventory management services, or help desks, among others. It’s also debuting new tools for Device Management to make it easier to migrate devices to a different management service — something that often comes up in M&A scenarios when a new company takes over employee devices and assets.
The option to leave all apps loaded will be included to Apple’s Return to Service solution, which enables devices to be swiftly cleared and prepared for the next user. This will save time and bandwidth because users and IT administrators will not have to reinstall them. Additionally, Vision Pro will get Return to Service for the first time.
Employees can use authenticated Guest Mode on shared Macs to log in using their identity provider’s login credentials, and when they log out, their data—but not their apps—is deleted. Another alternative enables companies to equip Macs with NFC readers, allowing staff members to check in by simply tapping their phone or watch.
As part of Apple’s larger software updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices, these tools will also be available in September.
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