Apple Users Can Soon Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus Directly from the Settings App

Apple and OpenAI’s Partnership: A Glimpse into the Future of AI Integration

In December, when iOS 18.2 rolls out, Apple products are expected to integrate with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, potentially revolutionizing the way we interact with our devices. This integration will supercharge Siri and other features with smarter AI, making it an exciting development in the world of technology.

A Sneak Peek at the Integration

On Monday, iOS 18.2 beta testers got a taste of how OpenAI’s partnership with Apple could benefit both companies. According to an update spotted by 9to5Mac, Apple is now including an option to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus inside its Settings app. This will give Apple users a direct route to sign up for OpenAI’s premium subscription plan, which costs $20 per month.

The Benefits of Upgrading to ChatGPT Plus

The free version of ChatGPT can be quite limited, and upgrading to ChatGPT Plus offers several benefits. For instance, premium users will have access to OpenAI’s latest models, such as o1-preview, and advanced features like Advanced Voice Mode. They will also be able to make more images with Dall-E per day and send more messages to the AI chatbot.

The Money-Making Question

A big question mark still hangs over Apple and OpenAI’s partnership: how do both companies plan to make money from this deal? According to reports, Apple is not paying OpenAI for the integration in cold hard cash. Instead, it’s giving the startup exposure, which might be enough to drive users to sign up for ChatGPT Plus.

The Potential Revenue Stream

If users do sign up for ChatGPT Plus through the Settings app, it could create a significant revenue stream for OpenAI. However, if Apple is not taking a cut of this revenue, it’s unclear how much money will be generated from this partnership.

A Strange Deal?

This deal seems unusual, especially considering that Apple is letting ChatGPT power its biggest AI updates yet. What’s more surprising is that the iPhone maker is not making this an exclusive deal. Apple has announced plans to integrate AI models from other developers, potentially including Google’s Gemini.

The Background of This Integration

In the background of this integration, OpenAI is raising money at a breakneck pace and losing key executives. Apple was reportedly supposed to participate in OpenAI’s latest $6.6 billion funding round but pulled out shortly after OpenAI’s CTO Mira Murati abruptly left the company.

The Uncertainty Surrounding This Deal

Despite the potential benefits of this partnership, there are still many unanswered questions. How will both companies make money from this deal? Will Apple take a cut of the revenue generated by ChatGPT Plus signups through the Settings app? These questions remain unanswered, adding to the uncertainty surrounding this deal.

The Future of AI Integration

The integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT with Apple products marks an exciting development in the world of technology. As we move forward into a future where AI is increasingly integrated into our devices, it will be interesting to see how companies like Apple and OpenAI continue to shape the landscape.

OpenAI’s Challenges Ahead

Despite its partnership with Apple, OpenAI faces several challenges ahead. The company is losing money on its pricey ChatGPT Pro plan, and CEO Sam Altman has expressed concerns about the financial sustainability of this model. Additionally, OpenAI is raising money at a breakneck pace and losing key executives.

Conclusion

Maxwell Zeff’s Background

Maxwell Zeff is a senior reporter at TechCrunch specializing in AI and emerging technologies. Previously with Gizmodo, Bloomberg, and MSNBC, Zeff has covered the rise of AI and the Silicon Valley Bank crisis. He is based in San Francisco and can be found hiking, biking, or exploring the Bay Area’s food scene when not reporting.

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