OpenAI feels burned by Apple's lackluster ChatGPT integration, weighs legal action

OpenAI is reportedly considering legal action against Apple over what insiders describe as a disappointing and poorly executed integration of ChatGPT into Apple's ecosystem. According to Bloomberg sources, OpenAI expected the partnership to generate billions of dollars annually in subscriptions, but instead believes Apple intentionally failed to promote the feature. Key design choices—such as requiring users to explicitly say "ChatGPT" when invoking Siri, and displaying ChatGPT responses in small, dismissible windows—have made the integration easy to ignore, causing OpenAI to feel the deal may have damaged the ChatGPT brand. An OpenAI executive characterized Apple's efforts as lacking an "honest effort." The AI firm is now working with an outside legal firm to explore options, including a potential breach of contract claim, though hopes remain for an out-of-court resolution.

The strained relationship also complicates an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by Elon Musk, who alleged that Apple and OpenAI conspired to lock out rival chatbots like his Grok. Musk's case, set for trial in October, may be undermined if the partnership is already falling apart. Meanwhile, Apple has not commented, and OpenAI has reportedly declined further partnerships with Apple on AI projects. The situation highlights the risks of high-profile integrations where one party controls distribution and user experience, especially when expectations around promotion and design are not explicitly codified in contracts.