On Wednesday, Apple rolled out updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac software, introducing a highly anticipated ChatGPT integration with Siri. This feature activates when users ask Siri complex questions. If Siri identifies a question better suited for ChatGPT, it will request the user's permission to access the OpenAI service. Apple assures that the integration includes privacy safeguards, and OpenAI will not store user requests. The feature utilises OpenAI's GPT-4 model.

Apple users don't need an OpenAI account to access the ChatGPT integration, though they can purchase upgraded versions of ChatGPT through Apple. Additionally, users can access ChatGPT via certain text menus.

Apple Intelligence and New Software Features

The iOS 18.2 update marks a key milestone for Apple, with the company banking on Apple Intelligence to drive the marketing of the iPhone 16 lineup. Apple Intelligence is the company's suite of AI features, with the ChatGPT integration first announced in June.

Apple introduced the first phase of Apple Intelligence in October, which included writing tools for proofreading and rewriting text, a redesigned Siri interface that lights up the entire phone screen, and notification summaries.

The company plans to release another Apple Intelligence update next year, featuring major improvements to Siri, including the ability to perform actions within apps.

The integration is a significant win for OpenAI, as it places its flagship product in front of millions of iPhone users. However, neither Apple nor OpenAI has revealed the financial details of the partnership.

To use Apple Intelligence, users need an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, or any iPhone 16 model, despite the fact that the ChatGPT integration primarily relies on cloud servers. iPhone owners can enable software updates in the General section of the Settings app.

Once the latest software is installed, users will be prompted to set up Apple Intelligence. The setup will require downloading large files, including the necessary AI models for the service to function.

The Wednesday updates also introduce Apple's image generation app, Playground, which creates images based on prompts or people, and Image Wand, a feature that allows users to remove objects or imperfections from photos.

Apple Intelligence: What's Coming Next

Apple has announced that more features will be introduced in the months ahead. Upcoming updates include:

• Enhanced Siri capabilities, such as understanding personal context and improved on-screen awareness.
• New styles in Image Playground, including Sketch and a detailed realistic drawing mode.

These updates will be available across iPhones, Macs, and iPads with subsequent system updates.