Microsoft and Apple Withdraw from OpenAI Board Observer Positions, OpenAI Remains Under Non-Profit Control

In previous reports, it was mentioned that Apple had reached a deep collaboration with OpenAI, leading to a board observer seat being added for Apple, with executive Phil Schiller representing the company at OpenAI's board meetings.

Board observers, while not having significant authority, are privy to the various proceedings of OpenAI's board, including updates on company governance and strategic directions.

Besides Apple, Microsoft, as a major shareholder, also held an observer seat on OpenAI's board. However, Microsoft has announced today that it will relinquish this position and no longer participate in OpenAI's board activities. Microsoft's initial pursuit of an observer seat, especially given its stake in the company, was seen as a move to stay informed about OpenAI's internal decisions, particularly after being out of the loop during the ousting of Sam Altman from the board.

Following Sam Altman's return and OpenAI's subsequent successful management, Microsoft has decided to step down from its observer role, expressing confidence in OpenAI's future direction.

It's noteworthy that Phil Schiller, Apple's yet-to-be-official board observer, seems to have also stepped down from his position, indicating that Apple has decided to forgo its observer status. This means that OpenAI's board will no longer include observer seats.

OpenAI has released a brief statement on its official website, affirming its status as an entirely independent legal entity, managed by the OpenAI non-profit organization.