Here's when ChatGPT's most powerful model will come to your iPhone

ChatGPT

Apple’s integration of ChatGPT through Apple Intelligence is getting a model upgrade. While current versions across iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2 use OpenAI’s GPT-4o, Apple says the new GPT-5 model will take over in the next software cycle.

That means ChatGPT features inside Apple Intelligence will be powered by GPT-5 starting with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. These updates are expected to ship in September.

Apple’s ChatGPT integration is opt-in and works in three key areas:

Siri + ChatGPT: Siri can route queries to ChatGPT when it needs help with documents, photos, or complex questions. Writing Tools: ChatGPT can generate text or images from a short description. Visual Intelligence: Users can point their camera at an object or scene and ask ChatGPT to identify it or explain more.

Apple says privacy protections will remain unchanged with the GPT-5 upgrade. IP addresses are hidden, and OpenAI does not store requests. Users can also link their OpenAI accounts if they want to carry over usage preferences or history, at which point OpenAI’s data policy applies.

The shift to GPT-5 is part of Apple’s broader push to expand on-device intelligence. iOS 26 will also introduce features like Live Translation in FaceTime and Messages, and expanded Visual Intelligence tools that understand and interact with content on screen.

In parallel, Apple is opening its on-device foundation model to developers, enabling apps to tap into the same technology that powers Apple Intelligence.

At the GPT-5 launch, OpenAI also announced open-weight models — including one optimised for Apple silicon and updates aimed at encouraging healthier, more intentional usage of ChatGPT.