Apple allegedly developing AI-powered response system reminiscent of ChatGPT, assembles specialized team for the project according to recent reports.
Apple is expanding its AI capabilities with a focus on developing a ChatGPT-like chatbot, named the "Answer engine." This new tool, developed by a dedicated team called "Answers, Knowledge and Information" (AKI), is intended to provide a chatbot-style search experience that can crawl the web and respond to queries [1][3][4].
The AKI team is led by Robby Walker, formerly of Siri, and is currently hiring experts in search algorithms and engine development [1]. The aim is not only to create a standalone chatbot but also to support AI features integrated into Siri, Safari, and Spotlight.
In parallel, Apple is planning to integrate OpenAI's GPT-5 model into its ecosystem, which is expected to arrive with the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe in early September 2025. With GPT-5, users will likely experience enhanced AI responses in Siri for complex questions, AI-powered writing tools, and visual intelligence features that use the iPhone’s camera [2].
Apple has also started limited testing of AI chatbot-driven customer support via its Apple Support app with an AI-powered "Support Assistant" that can handle routine troubleshooting and escalate to humans as needed [5].
To accelerate AI advancements, Apple has acquired seven AI startups in 2025 and is developing proprietary AI infrastructure such as the "Baltra" AI chip and a dedicated AI server facility [3]. Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasizes AI's transformational potential and is open to acquisitions to speed up innovation [1][3].
Apple's AI developments signal a shift from its prior reliance on partnering with OpenAI to infuse Siri with ChatGPT technology. Now, Apple is pursuing more in-house AI capabilities. The Answer engine is designed to help users find general information from across the web [1].
Apple's record iPhone 16 sales in Q3 2025 indicate a strong financial position for these AI investments, although details about the specific AI investments were not specified [6].
As Apple continues to develop its AI capabilities, it remains to be seen whether the company will partner with OpenAI or Anthropic for potential AI collaborations [7]. If Apple partners with these companies, it may indicate that its own AI models are lagging behind in generative AI.
Current Status and Integration:
- In-house ChatGPT-like Chatbot: Developing a stripped-down chatbot with search capabilities via the AKI team.
- Siri Integration: Planned to incorporate enhanced AI, including GPT-5, for complex questions.
- Safari & Spotlight: AI features to be supported via the new chatbot technology.
- GPT-5 Model: Integration expected with iOS 26/macOS Tahoe (early Sept 2025).
- AI Customer Support Chatbot: Limited rollout of AI Support Assistant in Apple Support app.
- AI Infrastructure: Acquisitions, new AI chip ("Baltra"), and AI server underway to support AI development.
This strategic pivot represents Apple’s efforts to compete more robustly in the AI chatbot market while integrating advanced AI smoothly into its existing products and services [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-12/apple-s-secret-ai-lab-is-working-on-a-chatbot-like-chatgpt [2] https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/03/22435818/apple-gpt-5-ai-chatbot-siri-support-assistant [3] https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-making-big-push-ai-technology-acquisitions-report-2025-08-01/ [4] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/14/apple-aki-chatbot-team-building-ai-search-tool/ [5] https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-testing-ai-chatbot-driven-customer-support-11660790531 [6] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-reports-record-q3-2025-results/ [7] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-17/apple-in-talks-with-openai-anthropic-for-potential-ai-collaborations
The AKI team, led by Robby Walker, is developing an in-house chatbot similar to ChatGPT, named the "Answer engine," to provide a chatbot-style search experience that can crawl the web and respond to queries [1][3][4]. Apple is also planning to integrate OpenAI's GPT-5 model into its ecosystem, which is expected to arrive with the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe in early September 2025, to enhance AI responses in Siri for complex questions, AI-powered writing tools, and visual intelligence features [2].
