Apple has partnered with OpenAI to integrate optional ChatGPT features into the Apple ecosystem, but neither party is currently paying the other. According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is not paying OpenAI, and OpenAI is not paying Apple either. The current arrangement relies on Apple exposing OpenAI's ChatGPT tool to millions of users, creating a mutually beneficial setup.
Image Source Note: The image is AI-generated, provided by the image licensing service Midjourney
Although this arrangement currently stands, it may evolve into a revenue-sharing model in the future. Apple is in talks with other LLM providers like Google to offer more choices for customers. Ultimately, Apple may receive a share from any monetization options provided by third-party LLM vendors.
At WWDC 2024, Apple introduced artificial intelligence features, branding them as "Apple Intelligence." These on-device models are crafted by Apple, with server calls conducted through an ultra-private and secure system called Apple Cloud Computing.
However, Apple is offering an alternative to its server-side LLM. The first partner for this choice is OpenAI, allowing users to invoke ChatGPT on demand through Siri and other tools.
Each invocation of ChatGPT requires user authorization, and OpenAI states that it does not collect any request data from Apple users. Although no account is needed and the feature is free, premium ChatGPT users can connect their accounts for advanced options.
The integration of Apple Intelligence and the optional ChatGPT will launch as a beta version in the fall, with Apple expected to gradually roll out access during the initial launch phase.
