Unveiling Apple’s Ferret: A Game-Changing Move in the World of AI

Sahira Gupta
3 min readJan 18, 2024

🚀 Exciting News from Apple! Unveiling ‘Ferret’: A Game-Changing Open-Source Multimodal LLM! 🍎🤖

The Breakthrough

In a surprising move, Apple, in collaboration with researchers from Cornell University, quietly introduced an open-source multimodal Language Model (LLM) known as ‘Ferret.’ The release took place in October on Github, creating ripples in the AI research community.

Initially overlooked, Ferret gained attention when Bart De Witte, operator of an AI-in-medicine non-profit, highlighted it as a “testament to Apple’s commitment to impactful AI research.” This unexpected gem showcases Apple’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of AI advancements.

Understanding Ferret’s Magic

Ferret, trained on 8 A100 GPUs with 80GB memory, brings a new dimension to user interaction with images. It allows users to draw a region on an image, identifies relevant elements within that region, and draws bounding boxes for queries. In simpler terms, it’s like having a personal detective for images, capable of recognizing and contextualizing elements within a picture.

For instance, if you highlight an image of an animal and ask Ferret what it is, it not only identifies the species but also understands if you’re referring to a specific individual within a group. The ability to leverage contextual information in this manner opens up exciting possibilities for user interaction.

Open Source & Non-Commercial

One remarkable aspect of Ferret’s release is Apple’s decision to make it open source under a non-commercial license. While currently not available for commercial use, this move signals a shift in Apple’s approach, becoming more transparent and collaborative in the realm of AI research. The potential integration of Ferret into future Apple products is an intriguing possibility.

Strategic Move in the AI Landscape

Apple’s venture into open-sourcing Ferret aligns with its efforts to address infrastructure challenges and collaborate with the broader AI community. In an industry where collaboration is key, this move positions Apple alongside tech giants embracing a more transparent approach to AI development.

Breaking the Silence: A New Era for Apple

Traditionally known for its secretive stance on technology, Apple’s decision to share Ferret with the world is a significant departure from the norm. It reflects a desire to contribute to the collective intelligence of the AI community and foster a culture of openness.

The Big Picture: Apple in the AI Race

As the AI landscape evolves, Ferret places Apple in the race alongside competitors, showcasing their prowess in generative AI. In a world where innovation is the currency, Apple’s ‘Ferret’ is poised to make waves and set new standards in the industry.

Join the Adventure

Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, developer, or simply curious about the future of technology, Ferret invites you to join the adventure. Explore the possibilities on Github, contribute to the evolving landscape of AI, and witness firsthand the magic of Ferret.

🔗 Join the Adventure and Discuss the Future of AI! 🚀💬

Connect with fellow AI enthusiasts, developers, and tech aficionados in the GrowGlobal WhatsApp community. Share your thoughts, insights, and be part of the evolving conversation about the future of technology.

Join Now and let’s shape the future together!

🌟 Stay Curious, Stay Innovative! 🚀🌐✨

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