Apple Co‑founder Steve Wozniak Says He’s ‘Not a Fan’ of AI
Key Points
- Steve Wozniak says he is “not a fan” of AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude.
- He criticizes AI for lacking emotional depth and for providing overly factual answers.
- Wozniak finds AI unreliable, seeking consistent and trustworthy content.
- His view contrasts with Apple CEO Tim Cook’s positive outlook on AI.
- Apple is developing its own AI platform, Apple Intelligence, despite challenges.
- Wozniak’s skepticism reflects a longstanding concern about technology’s impact on human relevance.
Apple co‑founder Steve Wozniak told Fox Business that he is “not a fan” of artificial‑intelligence systems such as ChatGPT and Claude. He argued that AI lacks emotional depth, often provides overly detailed factual answers instead of storytelling, and can be unreliable. Wozniak’s comments contrast with Apple CEO Tim Cook’s optimism about AI and come as Apple pushes its own AI platform, Apple Intelligence, amid development challenges.
Wozniak’s Stance on Artificial Intelligence
In an interview on The Claman Countdown on Fox Business, Apple co‑founder Steve Wozniak expressed strong reservations about modern artificial‑intelligence tools. He said he is “not a fan” of AI systems, specifically naming ChatGPT and Claude as examples that fail to meet his expectations.
Wozniak highlighted two core issues. First, he believes AI lacks the human capacity for emotional understanding. He explained, “I want to know some human being like myself is thinking, knowing what I might feel and understanding emotions.” He contrasted this with the way AI typically delivers concise, factual responses rather than the richer narratives a person might provide.
Second, he criticized the reliability of large‑language‑model tools. After testing several AI platforms, Wozniak said he often struggles to obtain clear answers and wants “reliable content every time.” This perceived unreliability reinforces his reluctance to embrace AI technology.
Contrast with Apple’s Current AI Efforts
Wozniak’s viewpoint stands in stark contrast to the public optimism expressed by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who has described AI as “so profound and can be so positive.” Apple has been working on its own AI suite, branded Apple Intelligence, which was announced after the company was caught off guard by the rapid rise of ChatGPT. Development of Apple Intelligence has faced several setbacks, and some flagship features remain unreleased.
Despite Wozniak’s criticisms, Apple continues to invest heavily in AI research and product integration. The company’s push reflects a broader industry trend where major tech firms are racing to embed AI capabilities across hardware, software, and services.
Wozniak’s Historical Perspective on Technology
Wozniak’s skepticism is not new. In past remarks dating back to 2011, he warned that new computing tools could make humans “less relevant.” By 2018, he had taken a more nuanced view, noting that what is labeled AI is often just the current state of the art for computers and that machines have historically amplified human abilities. However, his recent experiences with conversational AI chatbots have reinforced his reservations.
Wozniak’s comments underscore a philosophical divide within the tech community: the tension between embracing cutting‑edge AI capabilities and preserving the human elements of creativity, emotion, and reliability. As Apple and other companies continue to develop AI-driven products, the debate highlighted by Wozniak is likely to persist.