In a groundbreaking announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple revealed its partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
The partnership is unconventional, as there is no financial exchange between the two tech giants. Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team were silent on the financial terms, and the deal’s specifics remain private.
However, according to insiders, the partnership is not expected to generate meaningful revenue for either party initially.
The payment is all the data they’re getting
— Steven (@stepaul8) June 13, 2024
The integration of ChatGPT, a digital assistant that responds to information requests in plain language, into Apple’s Siri and new writing tools is a huge move. Apple believes that providing OpenAI’s technology with exposure to its vast user base is more valuable than monetary payments.
With this news going online, here’s what people around the world are saying!
Apple should absolutely be paying. This is a dumb move on OpenAI’s part.
— Michael Fowlie (@mwfowlie) June 13, 2024
This strategic move allows OpenAI to reach millions of users, potentially converting them to paid subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, from which Apple could earn a commission via its in-app purchase system. Apple’s deal with OpenAI is non-exclusive, and the company is exploring partnerships with other AI providers such as Google and Anthropic.
If that’s the case, I expect Apple to offset this with cash deals every now and then to keep OpenAI happy or ramp up ChatGPT subscription ads to their users.
— Wan Dello (@N_LgMa) June 13, 2024
This approach could allow users to choose their preferred AI chatbot, similar to selecting a default search engine in Safari. Apple is also discussing offering Google’s Gemini chatbot as an additional option, with potential agreements in place later this year.
While Apple and OpenAI have been silent on the details, it is clear that both companies see strategic value in this partnership. OpenAI could benefit financially by converting free users to paid accounts, with monthly subscription plans starting at $20.
Conspiracy: They probably don’t want any profit since part of that goes to Microsoft. So Open AI gets free data, Apple gets a frontier model and Microsoft is probably stuck with the computation cost.
— Deidem (@De1dem) June 13, 2024
These subscriptions could provide additional features such as data analysis and advanced image generation. If users subscribe to ChatGPT Plus via an Apple device, Apple will receive a cut of the subscription fee.
In the future, Apple plans to establish revenue-sharing agreements with AI companies. In these arrangements, Apple would receive a share of the revenue generated by AI partners who monetize their services on Apple platforms.
if apple isn’t paying, the user is the product, by apples own definition throughout the years
— Marcus (@ziademarcus) June 13, 2024
This strategy aligns with Apple’s broader vision of integrating advanced AI capabilities into its devices while also creating new revenue streams. The company believes that AI could eventually reduce reliance on its lucrative search deal with Google, as users may increasingly prefer chatbots over traditional search engines.
The integration of ChatGPT into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia will be optional and free for users who opt in. Users who subscribe to ChatGPT Plus will be able to access additional features by logging into their accounts.
This actually makes me more nervous about OpenAI’s intentions. Really hope everything Apple puts in place really does prevent OpenAI from making profiles of users.
— Dare W (@darewecan) June 13, 2024
Currently, OpenAI’s standalone ChatGPT app for iOS allows users to pay for ChatGPT Plus through Apple’s In-App Purchase system, which gives Apple ab share of those subscriptions.
The partnership is part of a broader push by Apple into AI, with the company introducing various AI features branded as Apple Intelligence, designed in-house.
It’s a feature on Apple that will be mutually beneficial.
— SEGA L’éveilleur® (@segalink) June 13, 2024
While Apple’s AI services will mainly operate on-device, the company is expanding its data center operations to support more advanced online AI services. To ensure the success of Apple Intelligence, the company plans to expand its services to other languages and countries.
So we (users) are the payment… 🤦♂️🤷♂️
— Todd LeComte (@tslecomte) June 13, 2024
However, this expansion may face challenges in regions like China, where services like ChatGPT and Gemini are barred. Apple is considering partnerships with local Chinese providers like Baidu Inc. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to handle chatbot features in those markets.
Elon is right open ai just steal all your personal data and questions.
— Ali (@MerruX) June 13, 2024
Apple’s partnership with OpenAI exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to business collaborations, focusing on mutual benefits through exposure and future revenue potential rather than immediate financial gain.
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