Apple forms in-house 'Answers' team to rival ChatGPT with AI search experience.

Apple is forming a new "Answers, Knowledge, and Information" team to develop an in-house AI search experience, rivaling ChatGPT. The team is led by Robby Walker, a former Siri executive, and aims to create a new search experience similar to Perplexity. This marks a pivot from Apple's previous stance on not developing a chatbot. The team's efforts are still in the early stages, but the development of an AI search experience could be exciting for users.

Apple is making significant strides in the AI search space, as reported by Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter [1]. The tech giant has formed a new "Answers, Knowledge, and Information" team, led by Robby Walker, a former Siri executive. This team is tasked with developing an in-house AI search experience, potentially rivaling the capabilities of ChatGPT. This move represents a notable shift from Apple's previous stance against developing chatbots.

The new team, known as AKI, is exploring various in-house AI services with the goal of creating a new search experience similar to Perplexity [1]. This initiative marks a departure from Apple’s historical reluctance to engage in the AI chatbot space. Despite initial setbacks, such as the rocky launch of Apple Intelligence, Apple is now committed to advancing its AI capabilities.

Robby Walker, who previously led the Siri team, is at the helm of this new venture. His appointment follows a year of delays in Siri's development, which he openly criticized as "ugly and embarrassing" [1]. Walker's experience and leadership are expected to drive the new team's efforts to deliver a robust AI search experience.

Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has also hinted at the company's openness to larger acquisitions to accelerate its AI roadmap [2]. While Cook emphasized that company size is not a primary concern, the potential acquisition of AI search startup Perplexity has been a topic of discussion. This acquisition could significantly bolster Apple's AI capabilities and align with its goal of creating a competitive AI search experience.

Apple's stock has responded positively to the company's recent earnings report, which highlighted strong iPhone sales and overall revenue growth [3]. The stock price gained 2% following the report, indicating investor confidence in Apple's ability to navigate challenges and invest in future technologies.

As Apple's efforts in AI search are still in the early stages, it remains to be seen when the first results will be available. However, the formation of the AKI team signals Apple's commitment to competing in the AI search market, potentially offering users a new and exciting experience.

References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/03/apple-rivaling-chatgpt-with-new-internal-team-report/
[2] https://dig.watch/updates/apples-tim-cook-hints-at-larger-ai-acquisitions
[3] https://www.tikr.com/blog/apple-nasdaq-aapl-stock-gains-2-as-iphone-sales-surge-13-in-fiscal-q3