Sources: Apple isn't paying OpenAI to add ChatGPT into its OSes and aims to eventually make money from AI by striking revenue-sharing deals with chatbot makers
- The iPhone maker isn't paying OpenAI to use the chatbot — Apple announced OpenAI agreement as part of AI push this week
BloombergMark Gurman
Context & Ripple Effects
Apple’s OpenAI discussions had progressed from renewed talks over iOS 18 capabilities to a reported deal to add ChatGPT features, while parallel Gemini licensing talks remained open. This report clarifies the commercial logic behind that integration: distribution in Apple’s operating systems rather than an upfront payment.
The planned ChatGPT experience was designed to require user permission before queries were sent and not require an OpenAI account, according to the subsequent rollout details. That makes the eventual question of who captures value from referrals, subscriptions, or transactions central to the partnership.
First-order effects
Apple reportedly avoids a direct licensing payment to OpenAI for ChatGPT access in its operating systems, preserving flexibility as it builds its AI offering.
OpenAI gains prominent OS-level distribution, while Apple signals that any future compensation could come through revenue-sharing arrangements with chatbot providers rather than a fixed fee.
Second-order effects
Other chatbot makers seeking Apple distribution may need to negotiate on Apple’s preferred commercial model, not simply sell model access for a license fee.
The unresolved Gemini licensing discussions give Apple an alternative supplier path, which can strengthen its leverage in talks over partner economics and integration terms.
Third-order effects
If this model holds, operating-system owners could increasingly act as AI distribution and monetization gates, with model providers trading direct customer access for embedded reach.
The trend: Consumer platforms are shifting from paying for AI capabilities outright toward monetizing the distribution layer through embedded-AI partnership economics.
This partnership is such a nothingburger. Apple's barely using them at all; just suggesting ChatGPT occasionally. Neither is paying the other. It's the free version of ChatGPT, so users aren't paying them either.
It is potentially troubling for OpenAI to no longer control the main user interface that users use to access their models Apple has said explicitly that they will support other models and will likely push their own the hardest. No UI change to switch from GPT to Claude / Grok
Apple Intelligence is a master class in strategy and execution. LLMs are good at understanding questions but mixed at answering them. Apple focused Siri on being an interface to talking to your apps where answers are based on hard data (math formulas, appointments, email)
Every story I've ever heard about having Apple as a customer supports the notion that copper wire was invented by two of their execs fighting over a penny.
If you're wondering who is paying whom in Apple's landmark deal with OpenAI, the answer is basically: neither https://www.bloomberg.com/... via @markgurman @rachelmetz @shiringhaffary
Neither side paying the other makes sense. Apple is giving OpenAI access to customers so should get paid like Google pays them for search defaults. However OpenAI doesn't have any money so they can't afford to pay. So they'll split revenue from OpenAI upsells to paid accounts. [i…
NEW: Apple and OpenAI have been silent on the financial terms of their ChatGPT deal. But here are the details: Apple and OpenAI aren't paying each other and instead there's money to be made later on revenue sharing deals. More here: https://www.bloomberg.com/...
Intriguing take - Apple's OpenAI partnership won't be as beneficial to OpenAI as Apple's search deal with Google is to Google because ChatGPT is basically white-labeling itself to Apple. I'm not sure that would destroy OpenAI though. Just won't help its biz very much.
This is the wrong incentive, this incentivizes them to force an application you don't want, onto your device, regardless of if its the right thing to do all because soon their only moat is distribution. Done without regard for OpenAI's cybersecurity negligence, very ugly.