Apple Cuts Daily AI Spending Cap for Some Engineers From $300 to $200
Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources, reported that the change took effect in October. Further cuts to $100 and $25 a day are under consideration, and employees who need a higher AI spending limit for work can request an exception from an executive.
Apple lowered the daily spending cap on work-related AI use for some engineers from $300 to $200 in October. Bloomberg reported the change on November 4 (local time), citing anonymous people familiar with the matter.
The reduction amounts to $100 a day. The cap limits how much employees can spend on AI for their work.
What Does the $200 Daily Cap Cover?
According to Reuters, the cap applies to token costs for the AI models employees use. Tokens are fragments of text that AI uses to process writing. The limit measures the cost of using the models, rather than time spent using AI or the number of questions asked.
Employees who need a higher AI spending limit for work can request an exception directly from an executive.
Could the Cap Fall to $100 a Day?
Reuters reported that further reductions are also under consideration. One proposal would set a daily cap of $100 for some engineering teams, half the $200 limit already in place.
Some non-engineering teams are also being considered for cuts. Their daily cap would fall from $100 to $25. Both proposals are reportedly still under review. Existing limits and proposed caps vary by team.
What Has Apple Said?
Reuters said Apple had not responded to a request for comment by the time of publication. The spending limits came to light through reporting that cited anonymous sources. The next questions are whether the additional cuts under consideration will take effect and which teams they will cover.