Apple to integrate ChatGPT into the next iPhone upgrade?

Apple is “finalising terms” with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT’s technology into the new iOS 18 upgrade, according to a new report by Bloomberg based on anonymous sources close to the matter. 

The updates were made ahead of Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June in which the company is expected to make announcements around its new push to integrate more artificial intelligence features into its devices. 

Last month, Bloomberg reported that Apple and OpenAI have renewed discussions around the ChatGPT integration. Apple is also reportedly in talks with Google to licence the technology for its AI-powered chatbot Gemini but that has not yet led to an agreement.

During Apple’s Q2 earnings call with investors at the start of this month, the company’s CEO Tim Cook said that the company sees both generative AI and predictive AI as “big opportunities” across its products and that more will be revealed around that across the coming weeks. 

Cook said: "We believe in the transformative power and promise of AI, and we believe we have advantages that will differentiate us in this new era including Apple's unique combination of seamless hardware, software, and services integration; groundbreaking Apple silicon with our industry leading neural engine; and our unwavering focus on privacy.”

A number of Apple’s products and devices already use AI including the M3 MacBook Air which is considered the “best consumer laptop for AI” – according to Apple – and the Apple Watch which uses machine learning features to detect when a wearer suddenly falls and prompts them to call emergency services. 

According to Apple Insider, some of the new AI features that are expected to be part of the new upgrade include real-time transcription to Voice Memos and Notes apps. Other features include an improved version of Siri which will reportedly gain the ability to analyse and summarise texts in the Messages app. 

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference will take place on 10 June.