Apple launches its ChatGPT integration with Siri

Apple released updates for its iPhone, iPad and Mac software on Wednesday that include the long-awaited integration of ChatGPT with Siri.

ChatGPT integration triggers when users ask complex questions to Siri. When Siri is asked if Apple's software identity is more suitable for ChatGPT, it asks the user for permission to access the OpenAI service. Apple says it has built privacy protections into the feature, and that OpenAI will not store requests. The integration uses OpenAI's GPT-4o module.

Apple users do not need an OpenAI account to use the ChatGPT integration, but users can pay for updated versions of ChatGPT through Apple. Users can also access ChatGPT through some text menus.

The release of iOS 18.2 is an important milestone for Apple, which relies on Apple Intelligence to guide the marketing campaign of the iPhone 16 line. Apple Intelligence is a suite of the company's artificial intelligence features. Apple first announced ChatGPT integration back in June.

Apple released the first part of Apple Intelligence in October. These features included writing tools that can read or rewrite text, a new design for Siri that makes the entire phone screen glow and notification shortcuts.

The company says it will release another update to Apple Intelligence next year that will introduce significant improvements to Siri, including the ability to take actions within apps.

Many investors believe that as Apple Intelligence adds features, it will boost iPhone sales, spur an upgrade cycle and could cement Apple as a leader in consumer-focused AI. .

The integration is also a major win for OpenAI as it puts its most important product in front of millions of iPhone users. Neither Apple nor OpenAI has disclosed financial terms of the arrangement.

Users need an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model to install and use Apple Intelligence, even though the ChatGPT integration primarily uses cloud servers. iPhone owners can turn on software updates in the General section of the Settings app.

After upgrading to the latest Apple software, users will be prompted to set up Apple Intelligence. Their phones have to download large files, including Apple's AI models, that the service needs to work.

Wednesday's updates also include Apple's image-generating app, called Playground, which can create images based on people or suggestions, and Image Wand, a feature that lets users draw objects or flaws away from pictures.