OpenAI is reportedly exploring legal action against Apple over a ChatGPT integration that did not meet the expected subscriber growth and visibility, as reported by Bloomberg.
Partnership Tensions
The partnership, announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2024, integrated ChatGPT into Apple’s operating systems, featuring in Siri and the Visual Intelligence feature of the iPhone. However, OpenAI claims the integration has been obscured, leading to disappointing revenue and visibility.
OpenAI has engaged an external law firm to assess its options, which may include issuing a breach-of-contract notice to Apple. Any legal steps will likely wait until OpenAI's ongoing trial with Elon Musk concludes.
Apple's History with Partners
This situation underscores the challenges major software companies face when partnering with Apple. The iPhone, although a lucrative platform, remains under Apple's control. Apple has previously parted ways with partners like Google and Adobe when strategic interests shifted.
Apple's removal of Google Maps in 2012 and its refusal to support Adobe's Flash are notable examples of such frictions. Similarly, Spotify has accused Apple of using its App Store control to suppress competing music services, resulting in a €1.8 billion fine by the European Commission in March 2024.
Current and Past Grievances
OpenAI's frustrations also include Apple's concerns about privacy standards and annoyance over OpenAI's hardware initiatives, reportedly led by former Apple executives like Jony Ive.
Despite these issues, some partnerships have been mended. Google now supplies AI infrastructure for Apple through a multiyear deal, powering Apple Intelligence with Gemini models for $1 billion annually.
OpenAI, meanwhile, navigates its own partnership challenges. Elon Musk's lawsuit against the company alleges deviation from its original nonprofit mission. Additionally, OpenAI's relationship with Microsoft, its main backer, is reportedly strained as OpenAI seeks more independence for future IPO plans.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/14/openai-is-reportedly-preparing-legal-action-against-apple-it-wouldnt-be-the-first-partner-to-feel-burned/
