Apple's ChatGPT integration failed to fulfill promises, OpenAI is now suing

The results of the partnership have allegedly fallen short of OpenAI's expectations.

OpenAI is reportedly considering legal action against Apple after ChatGPT’s integration into the iPhone failed to fulfill expectations and deliver the results the AI company had anticipated. OpenAI’s legal team is now reportedly working with an external law firm to explore possible legal options against Apple.

At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in 2024, the iPhone maker announced the integration of ChatGPT into Siri. The move came amid repeated delays in launching an AI-powered version of Siri and growing customer criticism. The integration allowed Siri users to access a limited set of AI features powered by ChatGPT.

OpenAI had reportedly expected the partnership to drive new ChatGPT sign-ups and subscription sales among Apple users. However, those expectations appear not to have been met. Although iPhone users could subscribe to ChatGPT directly through the iOS settings menu, the results of the two-year partnership with Apple and its mobile ecosystem reportedly fell short of OpenAI’s expectations.

The AI firm reportedly claims that Apple’s implementation of ChatGPT within Siri confused users and made the features harder to use. Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that OpenAI has attempted to renegotiate its partnership with Apple, but no meaningful progress has been made so far.

Bloomberg also reported that Apple is not entirely optimistic about its partnership with OpenAI, citing concerns about the AI company’s privacy standards and its recent expansion into hardware through the hiring of Apple’s legendary former designer, Jony Ive. OpenAI is said to be developing a range of AI-powered devices intended to replace smartphones, including smart glasses.

Apple, meanwhile, is also exploring partnerships with other AI companies. The company previously confirmed that the upgraded version of Siri, which could be unveiled this year, is powered by Google’s Gemini AI models. It may also consider allowing users to choose from multiple third-party AI models, meaning OpenAI may no longer be the exclusive AI option for iPhone users.