In a sign of the battle for AI supremacy, Meta has taken the step of blocking access to Apple Intelligence in its iOS apps. Facebook, WhatsApp and Threads no longer support Writing Tools and Genmoji.
SorcerorhatTech reports [Google Translate from the original Portuguese] that Meta has cut access to these tools in its apps. Presumably, this is to encourage users to try Meta’s own tools. Other social tools, such as X, don’t currently block Apple Intelligence despite having their own competitors to Apple Intelligence.
The author of the article, William Max, says:
The fight between Meta and Apple is nothing new, but it is curious that Zuckerberg has disabled a valuable native iOS feature that theoretically would not pose any risk to his business.
But I think this is part of a power play. My view is that AI tools such as ChatGPT, that rely on users going to a specific site or app, will fade into the background over time. AI that is integrated into exisiting tools is the real battleground. For AI tools, such as Apple Intelligence, to gain universal acceptance they have to be fully integrated into everyday use.
A good example of this are mapping apps. We can look at an invitation in an email, tap an address and we are instantly provided with directions to the location. There’s no need to open another app or service – everything happens seamlessly.
Meta is, I think, trying to create this sort of experience with its own AI tools in its apps. Which is what Apple is doing by integrating Apple Intelligence into its operating platforms.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.