Apple is Finalizing a Deal With OpenAI to Put ChatGPT on iPhones

Apple users may soon have access to AI features on their devices as Apple has closed in on an arrangement with OpenAI that would see the ChatGPT feature on its devices, and in iOS 18, Apple's next operating system.

This comes after it was reported in April that Apple had resumed discussions with OpenAI on a potential deal to introduce AI features to its next iPhone devices.

Now, it has been confirmed by a Bloomberg report that Apple held private discussions with OpenAI on a deal to feature ChatGPT in iOS 18, its next operating system. It was also confirmed that talks were had with Google on the possibility of licensing the company's Gemini chatbot, although no agreements have been made in this regard, with discussions still ongoing.

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TechloyEmmanuel Oyedeji

With its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) just around the corner, speculation is swirling about Apple's plans for artificial intelligence (AI). Rumours suggest that Apple is trying hard to get its hands on a chatbot technology, which it plans to include as a major addition to its list of AI features that will be released during the WWDC24 next month.

Adding the ChatGPT feature to iPhones would also benefit OpenAI as it would have a larger mobile user base, which would surpass its current tally of over 180 million per data from SEO.ai and see its lead position strengthen in the AI market, especially as Anthropic its main rival just recently introduced its Claude chatbot app to iPhones.

Meanwhile, recent reports reveal that Apple teamed up with Chinese AI company Baidu, creator of the Ernie Bot chatbot, to provide AI services for its latest devices, exclusively in China. This comes as US-made chatbots like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini are unavailable in the country, necessitating a different approach by Apple.

Apple turns to the “Google of China” for AI Services on iPhones

This is amidst the rumoured talks of Apple possibly integrating Google’s Gemini AI into future iOS releases.

TechloyEmmanuel Oyedeji

For now, 1.46 billion iPhone users across the globe, per data from Skillademia, will have to wait and be optimistic that the chatbot feature gets unveiled next month, and if possible, during the annual Worldwide Developers Conference as promised by Apple.