Apple unveils “Apple Intelligence” at WWDC 2024, partners with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT across iPhone and other devices

Apple finally unveiled its long-awaited AI technology strategy at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, launching “Apple Intelligence,” which seamlessly integrated AI across Apple’s suite of apps, including Siri.

During the event, Apple also confirmed a partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to the iPhone and other Apple devices. In a post on X, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, “Very happy to be partnering with Apple to integrate ChatGPT into their devices later this year!”

very happy to be partnering with apple to integrate chatgpt into their devices later this year!

think you will really like it.

— Sam Altman (@sama) June 10, 2024

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.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, highlighted that the new AI-powered Siri can access ChatGPT’s extensive knowledge base “when it might be helpful,” provided the user grants permission.

Apple said the new AI capabilities will be available with the latest operating system updates, also demonstrated at the event. Users can look forward to features like text summarization and generating personalized content, such as birthday animations.

Introducing the ChatGPT integration, Federighi said, “We want you to be able to use these external models without having to jump between different tools.”

Apple confirmed that the ChatGPT integration will be accessible later this year, with additional AI features to follow. Notably, users can access the chatbot for free without account creation, and Apple assures that user requests and information will not be logged. Subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, Teams, or Enterprise can connect their accounts to unlock premium features via Apple Intelligence experiences. Crucially, users will retain control over AI usage, with explicit permission required for each cloud-based ChatGPT interaction.

The ChatGPT integration will be available in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, though OpenAI features won’t be live until later this year. Apple also hinted at future support for other AI models, indicating no long-term exclusivity with OpenAI.

With these advancements, Apple aims to reassure investors and the market that it remains a formidable contender in the AI arena, despite some earlier setbacks compared to rivals like Microsoft.