Apple Develops ChatGPT Rival with New 'Answers' Team, iPhone 17 Pro Spotted in San Francisco.

Apple is reportedly developing a rival to OpenAI's ChatGPT through its "Answers" team, while also working on the iPhone 17 Pro. The company has lost several AI researchers to Meta Platforms and is focusing on enhancing its AI capabilities. The new team aims to create a chatbot-like search experience, and the iPhone 17 Pro sighting suggests Apple is nearing the launch of the new model.

Title: Apple's AI Ambitions and Upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Launch

Apple has been making significant strides in the artificial intelligence (AI) arena, with CEO Tim Cook emphasizing the company's renewed ambition to lead in the field. In a recent company-wide town hall, Cook declared that AI is a transformational technology as big or bigger than the internet, smartphones, cloud computing, and apps. He urged the team to act swiftly to avoid being left behind, signaling a strategic shift from Apple's historical late entry into markets to a more aggressive approach [1].

Cook's message underscores Apple's determination to close the gap with leaders like Google and Microsoft. The company has already acquired seven AI startups in 2025 and remains open to larger mergers to accelerate development. Apple is also investing heavily in R&D, with about 40% of its 12,000 new hires last year focused on AI domains. The company is developing its own AI chip (codename "Baltra") and building an AI-focused server facility in Houston [1].

Meanwhile, Apple is gearing up for the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro, which is expected to feature significant upgrades. The new model is rumored to have a thinner design, a new display size, and a different look for the camera. It will be available in four models: the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a display size of around 6.6 inches and a chassis that is 6mm thick or less, positioning it as a mid-tier device between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro [2].

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, respectively, while the iPhone 17 will have a 6.3-inch display. All four models are expected to get ProMotion display technology with a 120Hz maximum refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video playback. The iPhone 17 Air could also include an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip and an Apple-designed 5G modem chip, marking a significant departure from the company's reliance on Qualcomm chips [2].

Apple's renewed focus on AI and the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro launch suggest a strategic pivot towards becoming a more aggressive contender in both AI and smartphone markets. The company's investments in AI capabilities and the development of new hardware features indicate a commitment to innovation and competitiveness in the face of increasing competition from other tech giants.

References:
[1] https://voice.lapaas.com/tim%E2%80%91cook%E2%80%91tells%E2%80%91employees%E2%80%91apple%E2%80%91must%E2%80%91win%E2%80%91in%E2%80%91ai/
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-17/