Apple and OpenAI have forged a collaboration to incorporate ChatGPT with Siri as a feature of iOS 18, expected to be released in 2024. Nonetheless, recent sources reveal that OpenAI is unhappy with the partnership and is considering legal measures against Apple. As reported by Bloomberg, OpenAI’s legal representatives are assessing different avenues, such as notifying Apple of a potential breach of contract without pursuing a lawsuit immediately.
OpenAI had substantial hopes for the collaboration, confident that embedding ChatGPT within Apple’s ecosystem would draw more subscribers to their service. They envisioned a more profound integration across Apple applications and a prominent role within Siri. However, an unnamed executive from OpenAI conveyed disappointment, stating that while OpenAI upheld its product commitments, Apple has failed to honor its commitments.
A notable feature of the integration was the option for users to subscribe to ChatGPT via the iPhone’s Settings app, with OpenAI estimating this could lead to considerable revenue. Regrettably, this forecast has not come to fruition, resulting in discontent within the organization.
The executive remarked that Apple has not offered clarity on the product specifics, necessitating that OpenAI depend on them without guaranteed success. The collaboration has not been financially rewarding for OpenAI, as Apple does not compensate for the use of ChatGPT technology, only receiving a portion of the subscription income.
As Apple gears up for its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where a new version of Siri powered by Google Gemini is anticipated, OpenAI’s discontent is evident. Reports indicate that iOS 27 will facilitate integration with additional AI models, which has not triggered legal proceedings from OpenAI, since the original partnership was not exclusive.
OpenAI’s hesitation to partner with Apple on new models originates from a feeling of betrayal in their initial association. The executive pointed out Apple’s market leverage, enabling them to set the terms, causing OpenAI to be cautious about future engagement.
In light of these frictions, OpenAI is also developing its hardware and has hired several former Apple engineers, including prominent individuals like Jony Ive. This has reportedly led to irritation among Apple’s executives.
At present, ChatGPT is incorporated into iOS, acting as a backup for Siri and offering functionalities like image generation. OpenAI is hoping to amicably settle its differences with Apple, with no definitive decisions made regarding litigation.