Home / Technology / Apple's ChatGPT Deal Flops: OpenAI Sues
Apple's ChatGPT Deal Flops: OpenAI Sues
24 Sep
Summary
- OpenAI's ChatGPT integration on iPhones dramatically underperformed post-launch.
- Users required multi-step activation, contributing to low uptake of the feature.
- A trade secrets lawsuit was filed by Apple against OpenAI.
OpenAI has voiced disappointment regarding the performance of its ChatGPT integration powering Apple Intelligence, stating it "dramatically underperformed" following its 2024 launch. Despite expectations of a "halo effect" and increased subscriptions, the feature experienced a slow start, with OpenAI later revising down user forecasts.
Court documents revealed that the default setting for ChatGPT integration was 'off,' requiring users to manually activate it through a multi-step process, which contributed to its poor uptake. This lack of commercial success has led to a breakdown in the relationship between the two tech giants.
The partnership's unraveling is underscored by a trade secrets lawsuit filed by Apple against OpenAI in July 2025. This litigation followed reports in May 2025 that OpenAI was considering legal action over alleged failures to fulfill the agreement's promises.
Amidst these disputes, Apple also partnered with Google in January 2026 to integrate its Gemini models into the rebuilt "Siri AI." This development occurred after a significant two-year delay, highlighting Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance its AI capabilities.
