Tensions Rise Between Apple and OpenAI, Legal Action Possible

On May 15, sources revealed that the two-year partnership between Apple (AAPL.O) and OpenAI has become strained, as the AI startup has not achieved the expected benefits from the deal and is now preparing for potential legal action. OpenAI’s lawyers are actively collaborating with an external law firm to explore a range of options that may be formally executed in the near future. According to insiders, this could include sending Apple a notice of alleged breach of contract, though a full lawsuit may not be initiated immediately. OpenAI believes that the collaboration aimed to integrate ChatGPT into Apple software, which should have attracted more users to subscribe to the chatbot. The company also hoped to integrate ChatGPT more deeply into additional Apple applications and to position it prominently within the Siri assistant. However, Apple’s use of OpenAI technology within its operating system remains limited, and related features are difficult to find. OpenAI executives believe that as the company prepares for its initial public offering, this integration could ultimately become a major revenue source. User research conducted by the AI startup indicates that the vast majority of Apple customers prefer using a standalone ChatGPT application rather than accessing OpenAI’s technology through Siri and other Apple services.