Apple is set to supercharge its AI features this September, with iOS 26 bringing ChatGPT’s new GPT-5 model to bolster Apple Intelligence. The update will roll out alongside iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26, replacing the current GPT-4o model with OpenAI’s latest and most capable system. GPT 5, unveiled just days ago, promises stronger reasoning, improved writing and coding skills, and better understanding of voice, video, and images.
ChatGPT integration is already available in iOS 18, with Siri offering to defer difficult queries to its AI buddy. But Apple jumping on the latest GPT-5 model so quickly should ensure much more competent answers for users who choose to use it once iOS 26 arrives.
In addition to more advanced answers via Siri, Writing Tools will gain richer text and image generation, and Visual Intelligence will get a boost when identifying objects or places through the camera. Using ChatGPT in Apple Intelligence remains optional, with privacy protections in place – Apple obscures IP addresses and ensures OpenAI doesn’t store your requests unless you connect your OpenAI account directly.
The move is a clear sign Apple is looking to keep pace in the rapidly evolving AI race. Its own Apple Intelligence features have been widely seen as underwhelming, and the much-anticipated Siri 2.0 overhaul has been delayed until 2026. Leaning on OpenAI’s GPT 5 could help fill the gap in the meantime, giving iPhone users access to one of the most advanced AI models available while Apple works to improve its in-house tech.
This might just be a stopgap while Apple works on Siri 2.0 and the rumored Apple Answers search engine – but for now, it means Apple users will soon have far smarter AI tools at their fingertips.