Apple to Integrate ChatGPT in iOS 18.2, Allowing Users to Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus

With the launch of iOS 18.2, Apple plans to integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT feature into its products this December. This initiative aims to enhance Siri and other functionalities through more advanced AI technology. In the iOS 18.2 beta version, Apple has started exploring potential revenue streams from its collaboration with OpenAI.

Following the iOS 18.2 beta update, Apple has added an option to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus within the Settings app. This means Apple users can subscribe directly to OpenAI's premium plan through the Settings app, which costs $20 per month. This move could attract a large number of users to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, becoming a significant revenue source for OpenAI, as the free version of ChatGPT has numerous functional limitations.

Specifically, free ChatGPT users cannot access OpenAI's latest models (such as o1-preview) or advanced features like enhanced voice modes. They are limited to generating two images per day with Dall-E and can send fewer messages to the AI chatbot compared to paid users.

The exact monetization model of the Apple-OpenAI partnership remains unclear. Reports indicate that Apple has not paid OpenAI for this integration but is instead offering exposure opportunities. Providing the option to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus in the Settings app may give OpenAI sufficient exposure, depending on whether users are willing to subscribe. If subscription numbers are low, OpenAI could face increased AI inference costs due to a surge in free users.

Additionally, it is uncertain whether Apple will take a commission from ChatGPT Plus subscribers who sign up through the Settings app. Apple may simply aim to attract users by offering cutting-edge AI features, thereby boosting sales of new iPhones.

Notably, while Apple is allowing ChatGPT to support several of its key AI updates, the partnership is not exclusive. Apple has stated that it will integrate AI models from other developers in the future, potentially including Google's Gemini.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is facing funding challenges and an exodus of executives. According to reports, Apple initially intended to invest in OpenAI's latest $6.6 billion funding round but withdrew after OpenAI's Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, unexpectedly resigned.