Apple Officially Announces iOS 26 Integration of GPT-5 Model: Apple Intelligence Features Fully Upgraded
News Summary
Apple Inc. has confirmed that OpenAI's newly released GPT-5 model will be integrated into the ChatGPT feature of Apple Intelligence within the upcoming iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 systems. This significant update is expected to officially roll out next month, marking another important milestone for Apple in the field of artificial intelligence.
Clear Integration Timeline, No Waiting for Users
According to 9to5Mac, Apple has officially confirmed that the integration of ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence will utilize GPT-5 in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. These software updates are anticipated to be released next month, meaning users will soon be able to experience the enhanced functionalities brought by GPT-5.
Currently, the ChatGPT integration in Apple Intelligence uses OpenAI's GPT-4o model. Upgrading to GPT-5 will provide users with a significantly improved AI experience.
What Improvements Does GPT-5 Bring to Apple Intelligence?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman likened the quality improvement of GPT-5 to the leap seen when the iPhone first adopted the Retina display, indicating a massive advancement in the new model's performance. According to OpenAI, GPT-5 achieves a "significant leap in intelligence" across various aspects, including programming, mathematics, writing, health, and visual perception.
The ChatGPT integration within Apple Intelligence primarily offers three major functions:
- Enhanced Siri Capabilities: Siri can invoke ChatGPT to provide answers for complex queries, especially those involving photos and documents.
- Enhanced Writing Tools: ChatGPT can generate original text or images based on descriptions, going beyond the proofreading and reformatting functions of earlier versions.
- Visual Intelligence Upgrade: Through camera control features, it provides users with in-depth insights into surrounding objects and locations.
Privacy Protection Remains Core
Apple continues to provide privacy protection for users accessing ChatGPT via Apple Intelligence, including hiding IP addresses and ensuring OpenAI does not store requests. If users decide to connect their OpenAI account with Apple Intelligence, OpenAI's data usage policy will apply.
It's worth noting that using ChatGPT through Apple Intelligence remains optional, allowing users to choose when to utilize AI features. Users do not need an OpenAI account for basic access, but free users will face query limits.
More AI Features in iOS 26
In addition to GPT-5 integration, iOS 26 will bring new features to Apple Intelligence, including real-time translation (which can interpret conversations live in FaceTime, phone calls, and messages) and upgrades to visual intelligence.
Apple will also open its on-device foundational models to developers, paving the way for building smarter, more powerful applications based on the same technology as Apple Intelligence.
Intensified Industry Competition
This integration reflects Apple's strategy to intensify competition in the AI assistant domain. Reports indicate that Apple is developing a "truly modern conversational Siri" using its self-developed large language model, but this feature is not expected until iOS 27.
By integrating GPT-5 into Apple Intelligence, Apple ensures its assistant evolves with the latest advancements in AI technology, which also lays the groundwork for more complex integrations in future system areas and third-party applications.
Supported Devices
Apple Intelligence supports iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as all iPhone 16 models (including 16e). On iPad and Mac, it supports all M-series models and the A17 Pro iPad mini.
With the imminent release of iOS 26, Apple users will soon experience smarter and more powerful AI assistant features, marking a significant step for Apple in building its artificial intelligence ecosystem.