Apple ramps up OpenAI talks for iOS 18 generative AI

Apple is turning up the heat on its AI plans just weeks before its biggest software stage of the year.

The company has reopened discussions with OpenAI to power a series of new generative AI features in iOS 18, according to people familiar with the matter. The two sides are now actively hammering out terms and figuring out how OpenAI tech would actually fit inside the next iPhone update.

Talks had taken place earlier this year before stalling out. With WWDC roughly six weeks away, Apple seems eager to lock down a real solution.

A split strategy for iOS 18

Apple is not just handing the keys over to Sam Altman and calling it a day.

The plan looks like a two-track approach. iOS 18 will reportedly carry a suite of on-device AI features built entirely on Apple's in-house language models, prioritizing speed, system integration, and strong privacy protections.

Where Apple feels thin is the open-ended chatbot experience. For that ChatGPT-style assistant capable of broad web knowledge and conversation, Apple wants an established partner to do the heavy lifting.

OpenAI also is not running uncontested. Apple has remained in active licensing talks with Google over Gemini, and previously kicked the tires with Anthropic back in March. Insiders note that Apple could ultimately sign with one of them, both of them, or pivot somewhere else entirely.

Tim Cook noted last year that he personally uses ChatGPT, but pointed out that there were plenty of issues that needed sorting out first.

Why it matters

For everyday iPhone users, this means the next major software update might actually feel modern instead of lagging behind Android counterparts. You get reliable, private on-device smarts for basic tasks, paired with an industry-leading chatbot for complex queries without jumping between apps.

Strategically, we think outsourcing the chatbot is a brilliant shield. Generative chatbots are notoriously prone to hallucinations, offensive answers, and messy headlines. By leaning on OpenAI or Google, Apple captures the utility while letting a partner absorb the platform liability.

For the AI players, securing default placement inside iOS is the ultimate distribution prize. Apple knows this better than anyone, which is why it can pit Google against OpenAI until the very last minute to get the exact terms it wants.