Trying to use Siri on an iPhone or iPad can be a frustrating experience. That’s because Apple’s voice assistant too often fails to understand or correctly respond to your requests. And in this age of generative AI, Siri can’t handle the same types of tasks easily tackled by advanced AI bots. To skirt Siri’s limitations and add a dose of AI, you can now use ChatGPT directly on your iPhone and iPad.
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Available in iOS/iPadOS 18.2, OpenAI’s chatbot will take over from Siri to respond to certain questions and requests — just as if you were using the ChatGPT website or app. The difference here is that ChatGPT is integrated via Apple Intelligence. That means the AI can automatically pop up to help you when Siri is stymied.
Before you proceed, keep in mind that you need the right type of device, one that supports Apple Intelligence. That means any iPhone 16, an iPhone 15 Pro, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, any iPad model with an M1 or later chip, or an iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip.
With a supported device, you can ask Siri to call on ChatGPT to respond to specific types of requests, particularly those geared toward generative AI. Beyond submitting general requests, you can use ChatGPT with Apple’s AI-powered Writing Tools to write and revise text based on your descriptions. On an iPhone 16, you can use ChatGPT with Visual Intelligence, which taps into the camera to provide details on the places and objects around you.
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You don’t need your own ChatGPT account to use the AI through Apple Intelligence. However, if you do have an account, you can simply connect to it. This means you’re able to access a history of your requests. Plus, those of you with ChatGPT Plus subscriptions can take direct advantage of the premium features. But even if you have an account, you may still want to use ChatGPT anonymously since by default your conversations won’t be used for AI training.
OK, let’s get ChatGPT on your iOS device.
How to set up and use ChatGPT on your iPhone or iPad
First, update iOS or iPadOS to version 18.2 if you haven’t already done so. On your iPhone or iPad, head to Settings, select General, and then tap Software Update. Select the Update Now button to install the latest version.
Next, you’ll need to enable Apple Intelligence. Go to Settings, tap the setting for Apple Intelligence & Siri, and turn on the switch for Apple Intelligence if it’s not already enabled.
To set up ChatGPT, swipe down the Apple Intelligence & Siri screen and select ChatGPT in the Extensions section. Turn on the option for Setup Prompts if it’s turned off. Doing so tells Siri to suggest using ChatGPT if you submit a question or request that Siri can’t handle.
Tap Set Up next to the option to use ChatGPT. The next screen describes how to use the AI on your device. Tap Next. The Privacy and ChatGPT screen then explains the privacy implications of integrating ChatGPT.
If you don’t have a ChatGPT account or prefer to use the AI anonymously on your device, tap the button for Enable ChatGPT. The next screen confirms that ChatGPT is enabled, that your use of it is subject to a daily limit, and that Siri will require confirmation whenever it tries to turn to ChatGPT.
To instead use your own ChatGPT account, select the option for Use ChatGPT with an Account at the Privacy and ChatGPT screen. Tap the button for Sign In and Enable ChatGPT. Select the Log In option and enter the username and password you use for your ChatGPT account. The next screen confirms that you’re signed in with your account.
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You can coax Siri to use ChatGPT a couple of different ways. First, ask Siri a question that you think is better suited for generative AI. For example, say: “Siri, create an essay to explain how and why the Korean War started.” Siri should tell you that it needs to use ChatGPT and ask for your permission. Say Yes, and ChatGPT steps in to write the content you need.
If you want to turn to ChatGPT right off the bat, then your best bet is to tell Siri to use it followed by your request. For example, you could say: “Siri, use ChatGPT to give me a recipe for butternut squash soup.” Siri then automatically uses ChatGPT to respond to your request.
Another way to use ChatGPT is with the Writing Tools that are part of Apple Intelligence. Here, you can ask the AI to help you write or edit a specific piece of content. Open an app such as Mail, Messages, or Notes. Press down on the spot where you want to enter text. From the menu, choose Writing Tools, select Compose, and then tap the option for Compose with ChatGPT. Describe the subject or topic of your content. After ChatGPT writes it for you, you’re then able to review, refine, and rewrite the draft and add specific details to it. When finished, tap Done.
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Another AI-powered feature that works with ChatGPT is Visual Intelligence. This one provides information on objects you discover through your iPhone’s camera. For this, you’ll need an iPhone 16 with the new physical Camera Control button. Aim your phone at an object that strikes your interest and curiosity. Press down on the Camera Control, and the Visual Intelligence screen pops up. Tap Continue and then select Search. ChatGPT then runs a search to provide details about the mysterious object. Select Ask and you can then ask a specific question about the item.
Finally, you can manage certain settings for the ChatGPT integration. Go to Settings, navigate to Apple Intelligence & Siri, and then select ChatGPT. Here, you’re able to turn off ChatGPT and sign in or out of your ChatGPT account. You can also disable the option to confirm ChatGPT requests if you no longer want Siri to ask for permission when it tries to call on the AI.
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