How to use chatGPT on your iPhone

Since the publication of iOS 18.2 on December 11thThe ChatGPT integration is an integral part of Apple Intelligence. Provided you have a current iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can access OpenAI’s chatbot directly from your device without having to use the ChatGPT app or web client.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a generative AI chatbot built by OpenAI and based on a large machine learning language model. In addition to the ability to interact with people using natural language, ChatGPT can search the Internet, solve complex math and coding problems, and generate text, images, and audio. At the time of writing, the current version of ChatGPT is based on OpenAI’s GPT 4o and 4o Mini models.

In June 2024, Apple announced this Partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence. While some of ChatGPT’s signature features are available directly in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, many can be accessed, such as: Some features, such as enhanced voice mode, can only be accessed via the ChatGPT app or the OpenAI website.

Where can you use ChatGPT on your iPhone?

A screenshot of the Writing Tools menu in iOS 18.2. — Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

On iPhone, ChatGPT is available primarily through three interfaces. First, Siri can turn to ChatGPT to answer your questions. In cases where Apple’s digital assistant determines that ChatGPT can help better serve you, you will be asked for your permission to share your request with OpenAI. You can also use ChatGPT to identify places and objects via iPhone 16 Camera Control Menu..

Finally, you can enlist the help of ChatGPT if you use Apple’s new “Writing Tools.” Basically, ChatGPT can help you text whenever you type with iPhone’s built-in keyboard, including in first-party apps like Notes, Email, and Messages. It can be a bit difficult to find this feature. Here’s how to access it:

Long-press a section of text to bring up iOS 18’s text selection tool.
Knock Writing tools. You may need to tap the arrow icon for the option to appear.
Choose Compose.
Knock Compose with ChatGPTand write a prompt describing what you want ChatGPT to write for you.

Do you need an OpenAI account to use ChatGPT on an iPhone?

No, an OpenAI account is not required to use ChatGPT on iPhone. However, if you have a paid subscription, you can use ChatGPT features more frequently on your device. When you log in to your account, all requests will also be saved in your ChatGPT history.

How to set up ChatGPT

If your iPhone hasn’t already asked you to enable ChatGPT, you can manually enable the extension by following the steps below:

Go to Settings.
Knock Apple Intelligence and Siri.
Knock ChatGPTthen select Set up.
Tap either Enable ChatGPT or Use ChatGPT with an account. Choose the latter if you have an OpenAI account.