Apple's AI Ambitions Hit a Speed Bump: Can OpenAI's ChatGPT Surge Leave Apple Behind?

Apple's AI Ambitions: Can the Tech Giant Regain Ground Against OpenAI? In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, OpenAI announced this week that apps can now run directly inside ChatGPT, allowing users to perform various tasks without switching between different applications. The development has sparked predictions of a ChatGPT-powered world where Apple's App Store becomes obsolete. However, experts believe it may not be too late for Apple to get AI right and maintain its dominance in the app industry. According to Anish Acharya, an expert in artificial intelligence, OpenAI's app platform presents a significant threat to Apple's business model. "This is likely as important as Steve Jobs announcing the App Store in 2008," Acharya tweeted on October 7, 2025. With ChatGPT's 800 million active users and its Apps SDK, it seems that OpenAI has emerged as a major player in the AI-native distribution channel. Despite this development, Apple still has an opportunity to regain ground with its vision for an improved Siri. The tech giant already controls the hardware, operating system, and has approximately 1.5 billion iPhone users globally, compared to ChatGPT's 800 million weekly active users. If Apple's bet pays off, it could position itself as a leader in the AI era, modernizing how we use apps. Apple's plan is to "kill the app icon without killing the app," according to sources familiar with the company's strategy. This approach would allow users to access apps directly through Siri, eliminating the need for app icons on their home screens. While this may seem like a radical shift, it could ultimately benefit both Apple and its users. The development of AI-powered distribution channels has significant implications for the tech industry as a whole. As more companies invest in AI research and development, we can expect to see new innovations that transform how we interact with technology. For now, however, the battle between OpenAI and Apple is one to watch closely. Background: Apple's App Store was launched in 2008 by Steve Jobs, revolutionizing the way users discover and download apps on their mobile devices. Since then, the app industry has grown exponentially, with millions of apps available for download across various platforms. However, the rise of AI-powered distribution channels like OpenAI's ChatGPT threatens to disrupt this business model. Additional Perspectives: While some experts believe that Apple's delayed efforts to improve Siri may ultimately prove costly, others argue that the tech giant still has a chance to regain ground in the AI era. "Apple's strength lies in its ecosystem and user base," said one analyst. "If they can successfully integrate AI into their products, they could maintain their dominance in the app industry." Current Status: As OpenAI continues to expand its app platform, Apple is working tirelessly to improve Siri and stay ahead of the curve. The tech giant has already made significant investments in AI research and development, and it remains to be seen whether these efforts will pay off. In conclusion, while OpenAI's app platform presents a significant threat to Apple's business model, the tech giant still has an opportunity to regain ground with its vision for an improved Siri. As the battle between these two industry leaders continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of AI-powered distribution channels will be shaped by the innovations and strategies of companies like OpenAI and Apple. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*