Latest OS Updates Bring ChatGPT Integration to Multiple Apple Apps

WWDC 2024 Keynote Announces ChatGPT Integration for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia

If you're an iPhone, iPad, or Mac user, ChatGPT will soon be integrated into Siri and other native apps.

As part of its new Apple Intelligence initiative, which aims to enhance app functionality with generative AI, Apple announced that OpenAI’s ChatGPT will be directly incorporated into the upcoming iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia operating systems.

This announcement was made during WWDC 2024, where Apple also previewed the revamped operating systems, a new Passwords app, updated watchOS 11 features, and visionOS enhancements.

ChatGPT and Siri: A New Era of AI Collaboration

During the WWDC keynote, Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering, detailed how Siri will now identify queries that ChatGPT can resolve and ask users if they want ChatGPT to provide the answers.

“There are other artificial intelligence tools available that can be useful for tasks that draw on broad world knowledge or offer specialized domain expertise,” Federighi explained. “We want you to be able to use these external models without having to jump between different tools. So we’re integrating them right into your experiences. We built support into Siri, so Siri can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise when it might be helpful for you.”

ChatGPT will also be integrated into other Apple apps, like Writing Tools, to assist with text composition and image generation.

Following the pattern of the last 12 iOS iterations, iOS 18—along with iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia—is expected to start rolling out in September of this year.

Apple Intelligence And OpenAI

Apple’s integration of ChatGPT is a central element of its Apple Intelligence initiative, marking a significant step towards incorporating large language models and artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience.

“Our unique approach combines generative AI with a user’s personal context to deliver truly helpful intelligence,” stated Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.

The announcement clarified that the partnership with OpenAI’s ChatGPT is not exclusive, indicating that Apple Intelligence is “starting out” with ChatGPT.

Previously, Apple was rumored to be considering a partnership with Google’s Gemini AI model. This development leaves room for Apple to continue its own advancements with “Apple GPT” and the Ajax language model framework.

Elon Musk Considers Banning Apple Devices

In response to the announcement, Elon Musk took to his platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the news.

In a series of posts, Musk called the integration an “unacceptable security violation” and stated that “visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door.”

During Apple’s keynote, Craig Federighi addressed potential security concerns, assuring that requests and information will not be logged.

A follow-up press release on the Apple website elaborated, stating: “Privacy protections are built in for users who access ChatGPT — their IP addresses are obscured, and OpenAI won’t store requests. ChatGPT’s data-use policies apply for users who choose to connect their account.”

ChatGPT Recently Criticized

Amidst a recent wave of AI mishaps, ChatGPT faces scrutiny following Apple’s announcement. OpenAI has been under fire for its decision to restrict ChatGPT from answering queries about upcoming elections after reports surfaced of inaccuracies.

In response to the AI platform providing incorrect information about elections yet to occur, OpenAI announced plans to update ChatGPT. The update will prevent the AI from answering such queries and instead direct users to more reliable sources like the UK Electoral Commission website.

These issues highlight broader concerns about AI accuracy. Google, for example, has also faced criticism online for its AI-generated summaries, which have included bizarre suggestions like adding glue to pizzas and drinking urine for health reasons.