Former Apple CEO John Sculley has identified OpenAI as the largest competitive threat facing Apple in years, marking a potential shift after decades of dominance by the iPhone maker.
“This is the biggest thing that’s happened since Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs 15 years ago,” he told The Claman Countdown.
Sculley’s comments come one week after it was announced that Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple’s CEO and will become its executive chairman.
Both Apple and OpenAI are reportedly exploring similar next-generation AI products. Apple is set to launch a wearable AI pin, while former Apple designer Jony Ive is partnering with OpenAI to create its own AI-powered hardware.
“It’s one that may have a camera in it. It won’t have a screen. And it’s going to be able to have what’s called ambient awareness, meaning it’s always on, it’s listening, and you get it through an ear pod,” Sculley explained.
Each company’s interpretation of the device will be different, but Sculley warned the competition poses a threat to Apple’s longstanding tech dominance.
He signaled that consumer loyalty may vary, as buyers will gravitate toward their preferred product rather than defaulting to Apple’s ecosystem.
The emergence of OpenAI as a dominant force in the tech world is part of what Sculley described as a weather system that is constantly shifting the industry.
Sculley affirmed that amid the AI storm, Apple’s leadership remains strong.
“Tim Cook did a spectacular job as CEO. And the incoming CEO, John Ternus, looks incredibly qualified to be the next leader. So, from that standpoint, Apple’s in a very good position.”
Sculley offered advice for Apple as it approaches its 50th year in operation and as the race for AI dominance intensifies.
“Stay true to the values Apple has been so successful at: beautiful products, no compromises,” he said.