Apple open to mergers, acquisitions in AI space: Tim Cook
What's the story
Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that the company is open to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the artificial intelligence (AI) space. The announcement was made during Apple's Q4 2025 earnings call this week. Cook also gave a brief update on the development of Apple's next-generation AI-powered Siri, saying it is still on track for a 2026 release.
Strategic approach
Apple's 3-pronged approach to AI development
Responding to an analyst's question about Apple's three-pronged approach to personalized AI development, Cook confirmed that the company is still open to acquisitions. He said Apple constantly monitors the market for M&A opportunities and is "open to pursuing M&A if we think that it will advance our roadmap." This shows Apple's commitment toward enhancing its AI capabilities through strategic partnerships or acquisitions.
Partnership expansion
Cook reveals more AI partnerships in the pipeline
In a pre-earnings interview with CNBC, Cook revealed that Apple is gearing up to announce more AI partnerships. This includes the one with OpenAI for integrating ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence. "Our intention is to integrate with more people over time," Cook said, hinting at Apple's strategy of collaborating with other companies in the AI space.
Tech integration
Apple is already using private cloud compute for Siri queries
During the earnings call, Cook also discussed how Apple uses foundation models in its devices and Private Cloud Compute. This is a cloud intelligence system designed for private AI processing. He revealed that Apple is already using its Private Cloud Compute technology for several Siri queries and is continuing to build out that infrastructure.
AI influence
Cook says Apple Intelligence is a factor in consumer choice
Cook revealed that the manufacturing plant for servers used in Apple Intelligence just started production in Houston a few weeks ago. He said they have a ramp planned there for use in their data centers. Cook also hinted at the influence of AI on consumers' choice of smartphones, saying, "Apple Intelligence is a factor, and we're very bullish on it becoming a greater factor."