Apple and OpenAI signed a deal during WWDC 2024. That agreement put ChatGPT inside Siri and Image Playground on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in 2024.
iPhone owners can also buy ChatGPT through the Settings app, and Apple receives a portion of that money. But new reports claim OpenAI may take legal steps because it is unhappy with how the partnership turned out.
OpenAI expected the deal to bring in billions of dollars every year from new ChatGPT users. That goal was not reached. Sources say Apple told OpenAI this deal could be as large as Apple’s search deal with Google in Safari.
Also Read: Motorola Razr Fold Launched in India With 8.1-Inch Display, 6000mAh Battery and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
OpenAI wanted ChatGPT to appear in more Apple apps and to play a bigger part in Siri. Instead, ChatGPT has a small role. People must say “ChatGPT” when they ask Siri if they want replies from the chatbot. The replies show in a small box and give fewer details than the main ChatGPT app.
OpenAI also thinks Apple did not tell customers much about the feature. Because of that, many iPhone, iPad, and Mac users do not know ChatGPT is already on their device. OpenAI’s own data shows people join ChatGPT more often through its app, not through Apple’s built-in tool.
Also Read: Realme 16T 5G India Launch on May 22 With 8000mAh Battery, 45W Charging and Dimensity 6300
One OpenAI manager told Bloomberg, “We have done everything from a product perspective. They have not, and worse, they haven’t even made an honest effort.” Another person said Apple asked OpenAI to “take a leap of faith and trust us” during talks, but Apple kept most plans secret. So OpenAI did not know exactly how ChatGPT would be added to iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
At this time, Apple does not give OpenAI money just to use its AI tech. The only money shared is Apple’s cut from ChatGPT signups. OpenAI’s legal team is now working with an outside law firm to decide the next steps. One option is to send Apple a formal warning that claims the agreement was broken, without going to court right away. Reports say OpenAI plans to finish its ongoing court case with Elon Musk before it makes any legal move.
Also Read: iQOO 15T Launch Set for May 20 With Dimensity 9500 Monster Edition and 8000mAh Battery
These problems come as Apple is trying out AI tools from Anthropic and Google to add to its devices. Apple wants iOS 27 to support other AI services. At WWDC, Apple might show a new Siri that runs on Google Gemini. The ChatGPT deal is separate from Apple’s work with Google’s Gemini team to improve its own AI. Reports say OpenAI tried to change the deal terms, but those talks failed.
The deal was made so Apple could add AI quickly while it built its own features. Eddy Cue helped create the agreement with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. For Apple, it was a fast way to bring AI to users. For OpenAI, it was a chance to reach hundreds of millions of Apple customers. Now OpenAI calls the deal a “failure.” Apple has not made a public statement about the reports. OpenAI has not made a final choice on legal action and still hopes to fix the problem without a lawsuit.