Apple users will soon see an enhancement in AI features, as the tech giant plans to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its devices in December with the iOS 18.2 update.
This will bring new functionalities to Siri and a range of Apple applications, bringing an upgrade in AI-driven performance for Apple’s devices.
The iOS 18.2 beta, currently available to testers, offers early insight into how Apple and OpenAI might benefit from this integration. One notable addition is the option for users to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus directly through Apple’s Settings app.
Priced at $20 per month, ChatGPT Plus provides access to advanced features, which could attract a number of subscribers. This could become a vital revenue source for OpenAI, particularly as the free version of ChatGPT has certain limitations.
For example, free-tier users are restricted from using OpenAI’s latest models, such as “o1-preview,” and can only generate two images per day with DALL-E, in addition to having a lower messaging cap compared to paid subscribers.
The financial dynamics of the Apple-OpenAI partnership remain largely speculative, as no direct payment from Apple to OpenAI has been confirmed.
Instead, OpenAI is expected to benefit from the increased visibility provided by its integration within Apple’s operating system, possibly leading to a larger subscriber base for ChatGPT Plus.
However, if user uptake does not meet expectations, OpenAI could face high costs associated with supporting a surge in free users, potentially impacting its resources due to increased demand for its AI infrastructure.
One question is whether Apple will take a share of the revenue from ChatGPT Plus subscriptions acquired through the Settings app. While Apple has not disclosed any details on such arrangements, the company may see indirect benefits from offering this upgrade path, such as encouraging more customers to invest in new Apple devices with enhanced AI functionality.
In an approach to openness, Apple has also indicated that it will not limit its AI integrations to OpenAI alone and is preparing to support other AI models, with Google’s Gemini rumoured as a possible addition.
Behind the scenes, OpenAI’s partnership with Apple coincides with a period of important changes within the company.
In the midst of a major fundraising campaign, which initially included interest from Apple in a $6.6 billion investment round, OpenAI has recently faced challenges, including the sudden departure of its CTO, Mira Murati, which reportedly led Apple to reconsider its investment.
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