Apple to Integrate Free ChatGPT in Siri, Wall Street Reacts Indifferently

Apple to add free ChatGPT to Siri; Wall Street shows little enthusiasm.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 4:51 AM UTC

Later this year, ChatGPT will be accessible for free in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia without needing an account. Apple has stated that user queries will not be recorded. Apple's systemwide writing tools will also incorporate the ubiquitous chatbot. Furthermore, paid ChatGPT subscribers can associate their accounts to access premium features from OpenAI within Apple's operating systems.

As OpenAI and Apple explain, "Apple users are asked before any questions are sent to ChatGPT, along with any documents or photos, and Siri then presents the answer directly."

Apple is making strides to incorporate AI capabilities comparable to those of other major technology companies, which has resulted in a long-awaited partnership. Apple has actively discussed integrating AI technology into its operating systems with Google and OpenAI. Ultimately, OpenAI secured the agreement.

"We're excited to partner with Apple to bring ChatGPT to their users in a new way," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a statement shared with The Verge. "Apple shares our commitment to safety and innovation, and this partnership aligns with OpenAI's mission to make advanced AI accessible to everyone. Together with Apple, we're making it easier for people to benefit from what AI can offer."

The recent launch of OpenAI's GPT-4o, which includes a voice assistant that has been criticized for sounding uncannily similar to Scarlett Johansson in the film Her, has sparked speculation that the purpose of the launch was to demonstrate how OpenAI's technology could improve Siri. Apple has officially announced that GPT-4o will be the model that will be used to enable ChatGPT in Apple devices when iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia are released later this year.

Apple announced a plethora of new AI features under the name Apple Intelligence in addition to its partnership with OpenAI.

Apple Reveals AI Strategy, Integrates ChatGPT into Siri, but Wall Street Remains Unimpressed

Apple unveiled its long-awaited AI strategy on June 10. According to Rappler, the approach involves integrating its new "Apple Intelligence" technology across its suite of apps, including Siri, and making OpenAI's chatbot ChatGPT available on its devices.

During the nearly two-hour presentation at Apple's annual developer conference, executives, including CEO Tim Cook, emphasized the potential of Siri, the voice assistant, to interact with the calendar, emails, messages, and third-party applications. Siri will be able to compose emails and adjust the tone of voice to accommodate the situation.

The iPhone manufacturer, recognized for emphasizing user safety, has also indicated that it intends to distinguish itself from its competitors, Microsoft and Google, by prioritizing privacy in its features.

However, Wall Street was unenthusiastic about the event, as it searched for additional impressive AI capabilities and assurance that would position Apple in a favorable position to compete with Microsoft, the market leader in AI. Apple shares experienced a nearly 2% decline at the close.

Photo: Bangyu Wang /Unsplash