Apple to Offer ChatGPT Plus Upgrade Option in iOS Settings with iOS 18.2 Rollout

With iOS 18.2 launching in December, Apple is adding a convenient option to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus within the Settings app. This integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT will allow users to access premium AI features for $20 per month. The move could significantly increase the adoption of ChatGPT Plus, benefiting both companies with enhanced AI-powered experiences.

Starting in December, Apple users will be able to directly upgrade to ChatGPT Plus through their Settings app with the new iOS 18.2 update. This new feature could drive user adoption for OpenAI’s premium subscription, priced at $20 monthly, making premium AI features more accessible to Apple’s audience. With ChatGPT Plus, users will enjoy access to advanced AI features, including the latest model upgrades and additional DALL-E image generation capabilities. Meanwhile, free ChatGPT users will still be limited in both AI responses and image generation.

The Apple-OpenAI partnership raises some interesting questions about monetization strategies. Reports suggest that Apple may not receive direct revenue from OpenAI for this integration; instead, OpenAI benefits from a massive boost in visibility on Apple devices. As the two companies deepen this collaboration, Apple’s willingness to support OpenAI’s growth aligns with its larger AI strategy, even as Apple considers potential integrations with other AI models, such as Google’s Gemini, in the future.

OpenAI’s recent developments—including a $6.6 billion funding round and notable executive departures—add further intrigue to its partnership with Apple. The rollout of iOS 18.2 may indicate that OpenAI and Apple see a long-term opportunity for growth in integrating AI across Apple’s ecosystem.