Apple has finally rolled out much-awaited integration of ChatGPT in the latest update for iPhones, iPads, and Mac software. The updated features hit on December 11, 2024, and would provide users with more enhanced responses to complex queries from advanced AI from OpenAI with integration with Apple’s assistant, Siri. If Siri finds the question with the functionality of ChatGPT, it asks permission to join the OpenAI service. This integration leverages OpenAI’s GPT-4 model, with Apple emphasizing its commitment to privacy by ensuring that OpenAI does not store users’ requests.
Importantly, users do not need to have an OpenAI account in order to use the ChatGPT integration. Apple, however does allow paid access to more powerful versions of ChatGPT via the App Store and also enables users to interact with the service using text menus. The integration is an important step for Apple in building out its Apple Intelligence suite—its larger effort to make artificial intelligence improve user experience. This suite was introduced first in October and features writing tools for text proofreading and rewriting, along with a revamped Siri interface.
The integration of ChatGPT is also considered an important aspect of Apple’s strategy in driving iPhone sales, particularly with the launch of iPhone 16. As Apple continues to enhance its AI features, analysts believe that this will not only trigger an upgrade cycle that could also cement Apple’s position as a leader in consumer-facing AI technology.
It is a major milestone for OpenAI as its flagship product now reaches millions of iPhone users. However, neither Apple nor OpenAI has disclosed the financial terms of their partnership. For users to access Apple Intelligence, including the new ChatGPT integration, they will need an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, or any model in the iPhone 16 lineup. Once it has been updated, users will be prompted to enable Apple Intelligence, which entails downloading large AI model files.
In addition to ChatGPT integration, the update offers new features including Playground, which is an app for generating images, and Image Wand, a tool that can be used to eliminate objects or imperfections from pictures. These capabilities further push the boundaries of Apple’s AI offerings and maintain the company’s drive into the realm of sophisticated AI applications.