These features are designed to boost creativity, productivity, and personalisation while maintaining Apple’s strict privacy standards. 

One of the key updates is the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Siri and Writing Tools, enabling users to leverage advanced conversational AI for a variety of tasks.

In embedding ChatGPT directly into the operating system, Apple allows users to refine documents, generate creative content, and even create detailed images without needing to switch between apps. Siri’s capabilities have been further expanded to include task suggestions and responses powered by ChatGPT.

Advanced Features for Productivity and Creativity

The updates introduce innovative tools such as Image Playground, which lets users design custom images with themes, costumes, and accessories directly within apps like Messages, Freeform, and Keynote. 

Apple to Integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT in December Update

Another addition is Genmoji, a feature that allows users to create personalised emojis with detailed customisation options, enhancing communication and creativity in everyday interactions.

For writers, the enhanced Writing Tools now include a “Describe Your Change” feature, giving users more control over how text is revised. This can range from rewording a document to adding stylistic flair to invitations or resumes. These tools work seamlessly across Apple and supported third-party applications.

The new Camera Control feature on iPhone 16 models builds on Apple’s visual intelligence capabilities, enabling users to translate text, extract contact details, and even access AI assistance for interpreting complex diagrams.

The AI-powered features are supported on the latest iPhone 16 models and select older devices, including iPad models with A17 Pro or M1 chips and Mac computers running on M1 and later versions. This ensures that a wide range of Apple customers can experience the benefits of these updates.

Expanded Language Support

Apple has also expanded its language offerings, introducing localisation for English speakers in countries such as the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia. Plans to roll out additional languages, including French, German, and Chinese, are scheduled for later this year, further broadening the accessibility of its new features.

Commitment to Privacy

Apple emphasised its focus on user privacy with these updates. Many of the AI models run on-device, while cloud-based processing utilises “Private Cloud Compute,” ensuring that data is never stored or shared beyond the user’s request. Features like ChatGPT integration operate without logging user data, providing an extra layer of security.

Availability

The updates are now available as free downloads globally, with European Union users set to gain access to specific features in April. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, stated that these advancements would “transform how users interact with our products and expand what they can achieve with them.”

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.