OpenAI introduces ChatGPT for iPhone in a landmark AI integration with Apple

OpenAI It showed off its new iPhone integration on Wednesday iOS 18.2 It was released to users, bringing ChatGPT directly to Siri, writing tools, and camera features.

The feature update was demonstrated on day 5 of the OpenAI conference12 days from ShimasThe product launch marks a rare opening of Apple’s core iPhone features to third-party software. ChatGPT can now process commands through Siri and handle tasks across the operating system.

“When Siri thinks it will be helped by assigning a task to ChatGPT, it can just hand it over,” Dave Cummings, engineering director for ChatGPT at OpenAI, explained during Wednesday’s demo. The system works through three main paths: Siri voice commands, writing tools for editing text, and visual intelligence through the camera control button.

Users can access basic ChatGPT features without an account, although premium capabilities require a subscription.

Inside Apple’s AI strategy: Why the iPhone maker chose OpenAI instead of building its own

The partnership addresses critical challenges for both companies. Despite its $3 trillion market capitalization, Apple has struggled to compete with competitors in the field of artificial intelligence development. Google twin And the anthropic Claude It has proven capabilities beyond anything in Apple’s current AI portfolio.

“We really want to make ChatGPT frictionless and easy to use everywhere,” Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, said during Wednesday’s press conference. “We love Apple devices, so this integration is something we’re very proud of.”

The timing of this release could boost sales of Apple’s high-end devices at a crucial moment. Although the company doesn’t generate AI-specific revenue, limiting these features to iPhone 15 Pro models and newer devices creates a compelling reason for consumers to upgrade.

This strategy reflects Apple’s previous pattern of using advanced features – e.g Shooting in ProRAW format or ProRes video – To enhance the adoption of its distinguished devices, which carry profit margins estimated at more than 60%.

The move also positions Apple differently in the AI ​​race. Instead of competing head-to-head with Google and Microsoft In building its core AI models, Apple is leveraging partnerships to bring AI into its ecosystem while maintaining its focus on hardware and user experience.

This approach may be more profitable in the short term, as training AI models is still very expensive with uncertain returns.

The $5 billion question: How does OpenAI plan to monetize its million-user iPhone base

For OpenAI, the partnership provides immediate access to Apple’s installed base of over Billion iPhone users. This comes at a critical time for the AI ​​company, which is under pressure to generate revenue while managing massive computing costs. Recent reports indicate that OpenAI’s computing expenses may reach… 5 billion dollars annually By 2025.

The partnership also comes amid OpenAI’s broader monetization campaign. The company recently announced a partnership with a defense contractor Anduril A. was released $200 per month for ChatGPT Pro Class. Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI, noted that the company is exploring this Advertising revenue streams.

Enterprise spending on AI could change as ChatGPT arrives on enterprise iPhones

For enterprise users, this integration represents more than just a new feature for the iPhone. Many companies have invested heavily in autonomous AI solutions, often paying for multiple services e.g jasper, Claude or ChatGPT licenses for businesses.

Native iPhone AI integration could bring these tools together, potentially reshaping how companies approach mobile productivity. Companies may shift their enterprise software budgets from specialized AI applications to platforms that integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem.

Integration could also reshape the competitive landscape. Google that It pays Apple billions annually To remain the default search engine for the iPhone, it may need to reevaluate its mobile strategy. The search giant has already accelerated its AI efforts, recently launching Gemini across its products.

Apple’s reputation for putting privacy first influenced the integration design. The system requires explicit permission from the user before sharing data with ChatGPT, and anonymous use options maintain user privacy. All processing is done on-device for basic features, with more advanced capabilities requiring a cloud account.

The future of AI on mobile devices: The new platform war begins

The partnership highlights a broader shift in computing, where AI capabilities become as essential as operating systems themselves. We’re seeing the emergence of a new platform war, but unlike the mobile operating system battles of the 2000s, this one is focused on AI integration.

The stakes are much higher: whoever controls the AI ​​interface will likely control the fundamental way users will interact with the technology for years to come. Apple’s choice to partner rather than compete suggests it has learned from history — sometimes being the platform that hosts the best services is more valuable than trying to build everything in-house.

OpenAI has more announcements planned as part of “12 days from Shimas” campaign. But the partnership with Apple may be the most important, reshaping how a billion users interact with AI technology every day.

Neither company exchanged cash payments in the initial partnership, with Apple viewing the massive distribution potential of its devices as sufficient compensation for OpenAI. However, future revenue sharing agreements are being explored, especially regarding premium subscriptions to ChatGPT.

For OpenAI, the deal provides something priceless: seamless access to hundreds of millions of Apple devices. For Apple, it’s a strategic play that keeps the company competitive in the AI ​​space while maintaining flexibility in partnering with other providers like Google and Anthropic — suggesting that in the emerging AI platform wars, Apple is positioning itself not as a combatant, but as a battleground. itself. .