Despite His Hatred Towards Apple, Elon Musk Uses A Rs 60k Gadget From The Same Company. Find Out Which One

On one hand, Musk considered Apple devices to be a "security violation". On the other, he goes to bed with a top-end Apple device. Here's what we found.

Elon Musk doesn't like Apple and it's no secret. The world's richest person has time and again called out the Cupertino tech giant over privacy issues, even threatening to ban Apple devices from his companies when the iPhone maker announced integration of OpenAI's artificial intelligence (AI) into iOS. Well, given his apparent bitterness towards the Tim Cook-led company, it does come as a surprise that an Apple device has found a place on his bedside table, indicating a sign of regular use. 

Which Apple Gadget Does Musk Use?

On January 9, Musk tweeted a photo with the caption: 'I have a drinking problem.' The post's pretty innocent, showing that the X owner might have an affinity for Diet Coke. Not surprising, really, given the fact that Musk loves to burn the midnight oil to catch up with work and goes to sleep at around 3 am (as per the rumour mill). A shot of caffeine (~42 mg per 335 ml of a serving of Diet Coke) is just what the billionaire's body needs to keep on ticking, apparently.

But let's look beyond the obvious for a second. Scan the far edge of the table and what do we find? Well, an Apple AirPods Max headset - that too in a Midnight Black colourway.

AirPods Max is priced at $399.99, or Rs 59,900 if you're in India. While there are better over-the-ear headphones out there if you're ready to burn a Rs 60k hole in your pocket (why not go for Focal Bathys Hi-Fi instead?), the AirPods Max is Apple's top-of-the-line audio offering and is known for its commendable spatial audio support as well as its cosy ear cushions.

Also, the presence of AirPods Max also suggests the presence of an iPhone as well. Although, truth be told, Musk has been spotted using both iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models from time to time.

However, for Musk, the self-entitled torchbearer of "free speech" on his platform X, it does come as a surprise when on the one hand he goes for Apple's throat, and on the other hand, he is spotted using Apple products no matter what. 

What Has Musk's Grok AI Got To Say?

We decided to have some fun and ask Grok AI, Musk's touted rival to OpenAI's ChatGPT, about what the presence of AirPods Max in the tweet suggests. 

Here's what it responded:

"The presence of Apple AirPods Max in the image could be for several reasons:

Personal Use: Elon Musk might personally enjoy using the AirPods Max for listening to music, podcasts, or making phone calls, as they offer high-fidelity audio and advanced features like noise cancellation, which could be appealing for someone who values quality audio experiences.

Brand Affiliation: Given that Elon Musk is known for his association with technology and innovation, showcasing a high-end tech product like AirPods Max could reflect his interest in cutting-edge technology or even subtly promote a brand ethos of quality and innovation. 

Comfort and Convenience: AirPods Max are designed for comfort with an uncompromising fit for many head shapes, which might be important for someone who spends long hours working or needs to relax with music without discomfort.

Functionality: They provide features like spatial audio, which enhances the listening experience by matching the movement of the head with sound direction, something useful for someone who might be multitasking or moving around while listening.

Given the context of the image where various personal items are displayed, the AirPods Max likely serve a practical purpose in Musk's daily life or routine, aligning with his known interest in technology and comfort."

Ahem, ahem, Mr Musk! It appears that you need to spend some time with Grok and perhaps align it with your many trains of thought?

Musk Vs Apple: A Quick Look

Back in June 2024, Musk issued a strong warning against Apple, stating that its devices could face a ban within his companies if OpenAI's AI becomes deeply integrated into Apple’s operating systems. Musk cited potential security risks as the reason for his stance.

The statement came after Apple revealed its plans to allow users access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot through its Siri digital assistant. The feature is part of a broader rollout of new 'Apple Intelligence' capabilities.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but later distanced himself from the organisation, has frequently expressed concerns about the rapid progress of generative AI and its potential risks. Despite this, he has been actively developing his own AI solutions, including Grok, through his startup xAI.

“If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation," Musk tweeted and added, “Visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage,” referencing a shield designed to block electromagnetic signals.

Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, could be directly impacted by any such policy - he is the boss, after all.

As of yet, there's no word on it iPhones are actually banned from Musk's companies. If that is indeed true, he might have to leave his favourite headphones behind at home.