Apple unveils ChatGPT-powered Siri in latest iOS 18.2 update

Six months after unveiling “Apple Intelligence” at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple has rolled out updates for its iPhone, iPad, and Mac software. These updates include a highly anticipated feature: ChatGPT integration with Siri.

This integration comes into play when Siri encounters questions it recognizes as better handled by ChatGPT. In such cases, Siri asks for user permission to access OpenAI’s service. According to Apple, privacy is a top priority for this feature, and OpenAI won’t store any user requests. The integration is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model.

Users don’t need an OpenAI account to access this feature. However, premium versions of ChatGPT are available for purchase through Apple. Additionally, ChatGPT functionality can also be accessed via some text-based menus.

The release of iOS 18.2 marks a significant moment for Apple as it leans heavily on Apple Intelligence to drive interest in the iPhone 16 lineup. Apple Intelligence serves as the company’s collection of AI-powered features, first introduced alongside the ChatGPT integration announcement in June.

“Apple is enabling ChatGPT access in Siri and Writing Tools experiences within iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to jump between applications. With the ChatGPT integration, Siri can suggest a user access ChatGPT for certain requests, and Siri can provide the response directly,” Apple said in a news release.

In October, Apple began rolling out parts of Apple Intelligence. These included writing tools for proofreading and rewriting text, a redesigned Siri interface with a full-screen glow effect, and streamlined notification summaries.

The revamped Siri, now powered by generative AI, will gain the ability to control individual app features, allowing it to perform tasks such as deleting emails and editing pictures—functions that previously posed challenges due to the need for precise understanding of user intentions and app mechanics.

This means Siri can now perform tasks like deleting emails and editing pictures, capabilities that require an advanced understanding of user intent and app functionality.

Next year, Apple plans to release additional updates to Apple Intelligence, which will bring advanced Siri capabilities, including the ability to perform actions directly within apps.

Investors are optimistic that Apple Intelligence will play a key role in boosting iPhone sales and encouraging users to upgrade their devices. This momentum could position Apple as a prominent player in consumer-facing AI technology.

For OpenAI, the partnership with Apple represents a major opportunity to showcase its technology to millions of iPhone users. Financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed.

The Apple Intelligence software requires an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, or any iPhone 16 model to install and use, even though much of the ChatGPT integration relies on cloud servers. Users can enable software updates in the General section of the Settings app.

After updating, users who haven’t activated Apple Intelligence can join a waitlist through the Settings app. Most gain access the same day, but the process involves downloading substantial files, including Apple’s AI models, to enable the service.

The updates also include new features like Playground, an app for generating images from prompts or descriptions, and Image Wand, which allows users to remove unwanted objects or flaws from photos. Below is a video overview of Apple Intelligence.