For countless years, Siri has been Apple’s go-to virtual assistant, adept at responding to your questions and requests with relative ease. However, Siri can encounter limitations when it attempts to comprehend or execute specific tasks. Unlike more advanced AI bots, Siri lacks generative AI capabilities, making it ineffectual for certain sophisticated requests. This is where the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Apple devices comes into play. Available on supported iPhones, iPads, and Macs, ChatGPT works in tandem with Apple Intelligence, springing into action whenever Siri finds itself out of its depth. Depending on your device, ChatGPT can be accessed through various methods, enabling broader functionality.
Users can request Siri to call upon ChatGPT for tasks that necessitate generative AI, utilize the AI-powered Writing Tools feature to handle text composition based on descriptions, or use ChatGPT with Visual Intelligence on an iPhone to derive information from the camera on the places and objects around you. The best part is that you don’t require a ChatGPT account to make use of the AI on these Apple devices. However, having an existing ChatGPT account, especially a paid ChatGPT Plus plan, allows users to benefit from advanced premium features and keeps a history of their requests. Now, let’s dive into the steps to use ChatGPT on your Apple device.
1. Update Your Device
Before you can enjoy the seamless integration of ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence, it’s essential to ensure that your device is up to date. On an iPhone, updating to iOS 18.2 is required, whereas iPads need to be running iPadOS 18.2. For Mac users, the necessary update is macOS Sequoia 15.2. To update your iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. Here, you’ll have the option to download and install the latest version by selecting the Update Now button.
Updating your device on a Mac follows a similar procedure. Open System Settings, then proceed to General > Software Update and select the Update Now button. It’s integral to always maintain your device with the latest software versions available to leverage new features and enhance performance. Once your update is complete, you are one step closer to integrating ChatGPT with Siri.
2. Enable Apple Intelligence
Turning on Apple Intelligence is the next crucial step after updating your device. Apple Intelligence enhances usability through AI-powered features, working together with Siri. On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings. Mac users should access System Settings. Within these settings, find the Apple Intelligence & Siri option and enable Apple Intelligence if it isn’t already turned on.
Activating Apple Intelligence opens up a world of helpful functionalities, optimized to improve the experience across various applications on your device. With Apple Intelligence enabled, Siri becomes more capable of understanding and processing complex commands, effectively setting the stage for ChatGPT integration.
3. Turn On ChatGPT
With your device updated and Apple Intelligence enabled, the next step involves activating ChatGPT. Within the Apple Intelligence & Siri settings, scroll down to the Extensions section where you will find ChatGPT. Turn on the Setup Prompts option if it is not already enabled. This feature allows Siri to suggest using ChatGPT for queries it cannot answer on its own.
Selecting the Setup Prompts ensures that Siri can seamlessly hand over requests to ChatGPT, leveraging its generative AI capabilities to provide the desired responses. This step maximizes the interactivity and potential of Siri by incorporating ChatGPT’s competency in handling nuanced tasks and providing detailed information.
4. Configure ChatGPT Without an Account
You don’t need a ChatGPT account to start utilizing the AI for your Apple devices. The setup process allows you to operate it anonymously if preferred, maintaining privacy while still experiencing the AI’s impressive capabilities. As you configure ChatGPT, you’ll be walked through several screens that explain the application and its privacy considerations.
On the Privacy and ChatGPT screen, click Enable ChatGPT to activate the AI without an account. The subsequent screen will confirm the activation and inform you about daily usage limits. It’s important to note that Siri will request confirmation each time it wants to delegate a task to ChatGPT. This process ensures you have continuous control over AI interactions, maintaining privacy while benefiting from its use.
5. Configure ChatGPT With an Account
For users already holding a ChatGPT account, integrating it with your Apple device offers additional benefits. On the Privacy and ChatGPT screen, select Use ChatGPT with an Account. Following this, choose Sign In and Enable ChatGPT, then log in using your ChatGPT credentials.
Utilizing your ChatGPT account ensures access to the history of previous requests and enables advanced features available through the ChatGPT Plus plan. With your account successfully linked, you can now fully experience and take advantage of ChatGPT’s capabilities, enriching the functionality of your Apple device.
6. Have Siri Utilize ChatGPT
With ChatGPT enabled and configured, you’re ready to see it in action. Start by posing a question or making a request that you’re certain Siri can’t handle by itself. For instance, you may need to generate specific text for an email or message. A typical request might be: “Siri, compose a note asking my boss for a 10% raise based on all the projects I completed this past year.”
In such scenarios, Siri will acknowledge its limitations and seek your permission to activate ChatGPT to compose the email. Upon your agreement, ChatGPT takes over and provides the required content. This procedure elucidates how seamless the transition can be, from Siri beginning the task to handing it over to ChatGPT for completion.
7. Request Siri to Use ChatGPT
There may be times when you explicitly prefer ChatGPT to handle your request right from the start. In such cases, guide Siri by specifying that you want ChatGPT’s assistance. For example, frame your command like, “Siri, use ChatGPT to name and describe the six wives of Henry VIII.”
Providing clear indications to Siri ensures the generative AI can deliver the comprehensive and detailed responses you’re seeking. Moreover, it results in a more tailored and efficient interaction, specifically when your requests entail more intricate data or elaborate information that’s beyond Siri’s scope.
8. Engage in a Dialogue With ChatGPT
One of the standout features of integrating ChatGPT with Siri is the ability to carry on a prolonged conversation. By commanding Siri to route specific inquiries through ChatGPT, you can engage in detailed dialogues. Each follow-up question you pose will be responded to with the same level of detail, building on the previous answers.
This conversational ability is particularly useful for inquiries needing comprehensive insights or iterative questioning. Initiating this through Siri ensures you leverage the full scale of conversational AI, enhancing both the efficiency and depth of the exchange.
9. Utilize Writing Tools
Apple Intelligence brings another powerful feature—Writing Tools. This functionality lets ChatGPT assist in composing or revising text, such as emails, messages, or documents. To start, open an application like Mail or Messages, press down on the text input area and select Writing Tools from the menu.
Choosing the Compose option and then Compose with ChatGPT invites the AI to write text based on your description. Dictate or type what you want the email or message to convey. ChatGPT will draft the text, allowing you to review, refine, and add further details. This writing assistance makes crafting professional and articulate communication more efficient.
10. Use ChatGPT With Visual Intelligence
Visual Intelligence is an AI-powered feature where ChatGPT can provide information about objects seen through your iPhone’s camera. This is accessible on an iPhone 16 with the physical Camera Control button. Point your camera at the object of interest, press the Camera Control to open the Visual Intelligence screen, and then tap Continue followed by Ask.
ChatGPT will then deliver details about the object you’ve captured. This feature is particularly useful for identifying items, learning more about your surroundings, or even assisting with educational tasks. Visual Intelligence harnesses the real-time processing power of ChatGPT to augment your understanding of the world around you.
11. Adjust Your ChatGPT Settings
After updating your device, the next essential step is turning on Apple Intelligence. This feature enhances your device’s usability by leveraging AI-powered capabilities and works seamlessly with Siri. To activate it on an iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app. For Mac users, go to System Settings. Once there, locate the Apple Intelligence & Siri option and turn it on if it isn’t already enabled.
Activating Apple Intelligence introduces a range of beneficial functionalities. It improves how you interact with various applications on your device. With Apple Intelligence turned on, Siri can better understand and execute complex commands, paving the way for smoother integration with ChatGPT. Siri’s abilities are enhanced significantly, offering more accurate responses and a more intuitive user experience.
In addition to improving Siri’s command processing, Apple Intelligence aids in predictive text and personalized suggestions, making everyday tasks easier and more efficient. Whether you’re using Safari, composing an email, or setting reminders, the AI enhancements streamline these activities.
Furthermore, Apple Intelligence includes features like on-device privacy, ensuring that your personal information remains secure while still providing an optimized user experience. By enabling Apple Intelligence, you unlock the full potential of your Apple device, making it more responsive, intuitive, and secure. It’s a crucial step every user should take to make the most out of their device’s capabilities.