During the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday, Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into the upcoming iOS 18. While this news has sparked considerable interest, details of the arrangement were initially unclear. A recent Bloomberg report has now provided insights into the specifics of this intriguing collaboration.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is not compensating OpenAI financially for this integration. Tech journalist Mark Gurman clarified that the partnership isn’t expected to yield substantial revenue for either party, at least in the initial stages. Instead, the collaboration involves no monetary exchange, with the primary value lying in the exposure and integration of ChatGPT across Apple’s extensive ecosystem.
Apple anticipates that embedding ChatGPT into iOS 18, alongside Siri and new writing tools, will significantly raise OpenAI’s technology profile. This integration grants OpenAI access to hundreds of millions of Apple users, a promotional opportunity deemed by sources familiar with the matter to be as valuable, if not more so, than direct financial compensation.
Looking forward, Bloomberg reports that Apple intends to explore revenue-sharing agreements with AI companies in the future. Such agreements would entail Apple receiving a portion of the revenue generated by AI partners who monetize their services on Apple platforms. This strategic approach aligns with Apple’s broader goal of integrating advanced AI capabilities into its devices while also creating new revenue streams.
For end users, the integration of ChatGPT into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia will be optional and provided at no cost. Users opting for additional features can subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, accessible through their accounts. Currently, OpenAI’s standalone ChatGPT app for iOS offers ChatGPT Plus via Apple’s In-App Purchase system, with Apple receiving a percentage of these subscriptions.
In summary, Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI prioritizes strategic value and future potential over immediate financial gain. By incorporating ChatGPT into its operating systems, Apple enhances its AI capabilities while affording OpenAI significant exposure. This sets the stage for potential revenue-sharing models, underscoring a mutually beneficial relationship poised to shape the future of AI integration in consumer technology.
