Apple Intelligence to upgrade ChatGPT to GPT-5 in next software update
Apple is poised to significantly enhance the artificial intelligence capabilities within its ecosystem, announcing plans to upgrade the integrated ChatGPT experience in Apple Intelligence from GPT-4o to the more advanced GPT-5 model. This pivotal update is expected to roll out with next month’s major software releases, impacting iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26.
The integration of OpenAI’s large language model into Apple’s suite of AI features has been a closely watched development. While the initial offering relied on GPT-4o, the swift transition to GPT-5 underscores Apple’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge AI directly to its users. This upgrade is anticipated to bring a new level of sophistication to interactions, potentially offering more nuanced conversations, improved content generation, and a deeper understanding of user queries across various applications.
Crucially, Apple maintains that the use of ChatGPT within Apple Intelligence will remain entirely optional. Users will retain the choice to connect features such as Siri, writing tools, and visual recognition capabilities to the powerful new model. This approach aligns with Apple’s long-standing philosophy of user control, allowing individuals to tailor their AI experience to their preferences.
Furthermore, Apple is doubling down on its commitment to user privacy in this integration. The company has explicitly stated that user IP addresses will remain hidden, and OpenAI will not store requests unless a user actively links their personal OpenAI account. This emphasis on data protection aims to reassure users about the security and confidentiality of their interactions with the advanced AI features.
Beyond the ChatGPT upgrade, Apple Intelligence is also set to receive a suite of new native features designed to enhance daily productivity and communication. Among these are live translation capabilities within FaceTime, promising to break down language barriers during video calls, and system-wide visual search, which could revolutionize how users interact with images and their surroundings by providing instant, contextual information.
The move to GPT-5 is a strategic step for Apple, positioning its Apple Intelligence platform at the forefront of consumer AI. It suggests a rapid iteration cycle in AI development, with Apple leveraging external partnerships to deliver advanced models while simultaneously building out its proprietary AI functionalities. This dual approach aims to provide users with a comprehensive and powerful AI experience that is both innovative and deeply integrated into their Apple devices, ultimately striving for a more intuitive and responsive digital environment.