Steve Jobs vehemently opposed Google's Android operating system, considering it a "stolen product" and "grand theft" due to its resemblance to iOS. He famously declared he would wage "thermonuclear war" on Android, stating he would spend his "last dying breath" and Apple's entire $40 billion in the bank to "right this wrong." Jobs even met with then-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, telling him he wasn't interested in money but wanted Google to stop using Apple's ideas in Android. This intense animosity led to Apple's extensive legal battles against Android manufacturers like Samsung.
The relationship between Apple and Google was initially collaborative, with Schmidt even serving on Apple's board until 2009. However, the unveiling of Android in November 2007, just 10 months after the iPhone's debut, marked a turning point, leading to a significant souring of relations. Jobs' strong feelings and Apple's subsequent aggressive legal actions, including lawsuits targeting Android hardware manufacturers such as Motorola and Samsung, highlight the depth of this rivalry.
Today, a similar dynamic is emerging between Apple and OpenAI, hinting at a new "thermonuclear" battle. While Apple initially collaborated with OpenAI, integrating ChatGPT into its iPhones when Siri faltered, the partnership has recently shifted towards rivalry. This shift is underscored by OpenAI's recruitment of former Apple design chief Jony Ive to lead a project for an AI-powered device, which analysts believe could directly challenge Apple's products. Furthermore, OpenAI's acquisition of io Products, co-founded by Ive, for nearly $6.5 billion as part of this collaboration emphasizes the scale and potential competitive threat being posed to Apple.
