Apple Inc. will ship the next major release of iOS with OpenAI’s ChatGPT artificial intelligence assistant, Bloomberg reported today.

The iPhone maker is expected to debut iOS 18 at its WWDC developer event on Monday. Besides the ChatGPT integration, the update will reportedly introduce a raft of other AI features spanning the operating system’s search bar, emoji library and built-in apps. The planned capabilities are part of a broader AI push that is also believed to include two consumer robotics projects.

Ahead of the decision to build ChatGPT into iOS 18, Apple reportedly held talks with Google LLC about using its rival Gemini chatbot. The iPhone maker reportedly picked OpenAI because the latter company offered better deal terms. Additionally, Apple executives reportedly believe that the AI provider’s large language models are more capable.

It’s unclear exactly which OpenAI model will power the version of ChatGPT that is expected to ship with iOS. Last month, OpenAI disclosed that it had begun training a successor to its flagship GPT-4 model. If development of that next-generation LLM is completed by September, the month Apple typically rolls out new iOS versions, the model could potentially become available to iPhone users.

It’s believed the operating system could eventually receive support for other chatbots besides ChatGPT. Apple’s talks with Google about a Gemini integration are still ongoing, Bloomberg reported. There are also multiple other advanced LLMs on the market that the iPhone maker could potentially use to power AI assistants in iOS.

Alongside ChatGPT, Apple’s operating system refresh is expected to pack a range of other machine learning features. Users will reportedly gain the ability to create emojis and slideshows using natural language commands, access AI-generated Apple Music playlists and have the iOS search bar automatically perform tasks in their apps. Today’s report indicates that the iPhone maker will make the AI features available on an opt-in basis.

In parallel with its preparations for the iOS 18 rollout, Apple is said to be working on two longer-term machine learning projects. Those initiatives reportedly focus on developing a pair of home robots powered by LLMs. 

The first machine is described as a table-top robotic arm with a smart display larger than an iPad. The other LLM-powered machine, in turn, is reportedly a kind of autonomous vehicle that can follow users and perform chores on their behalf. Both projects are believed to be in an early stage.

It’s unclear how Apple might integrate LLMs into the two machines. Some industrial robots use LLMs to determine the best way of carrying out their assigned tasks, as well as process natural language instructions from factory staff. It’s possible Apple plans to equip its robots with a similar feature that will allow them to follow user instructions.

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