iPhone shortcuts are now powered by ChatGPT

Apple’s integration of ChatGPT’s search capabilities into its Shortcuts app marks a significant advancement in iPhone automation capabilities, combining the power of AI-driven web search with customizable task workflows.

Key developments: Apple has incorporated OpenAI’s recently launched ChatGPT search feature into its Shortcuts app, enabling users to access AI-powered web searches through automated workflows.

• The integration appears as a new “Open SearchGPT” option within the Shortcuts app’s ChatGPT commands
• Users can now leverage ChatGPT’s enhanced search capabilities to find online information through automated processes
• The feature builds upon OpenAI’s October update that improved ChatGPT’s web search functionality

Technical capabilities: The combination of ChatGPT’s search abilities and Apple Shortcuts creates a powerful automation ecosystem for iOS devices.

• ChatGPT’s search function can now provide relevant web links, contextual information, and handle follow-up questions
• The Shortcuts app enables users to create multi-step automated workflows that can be triggered by time or location
• This integration allows for more sophisticated automation sequences that incorporate AI-powered web searches

Current limitations and availability: Access to the new search feature currently requires specific subscriptions and software versions.

• Users must have a ChatGPT Plus or ChatGPT Teams subscription to access SearchGPT functionality
• The latest version of the ChatGPT app must be installed on iOS devices
• OpenAI plans to make the search feature available to free users in the coming months

Siri integration timeline: The broader AI integration with Apple’s virtual assistant is still in development.

• iOS 18.2 beta includes functionality allowing Siri to hand off requests to ChatGPT
• Users can trigger ChatGPT interactions by starting Siri commands with “Ask ChatGPT”
• The public release of iOS 18.2 is expected in early December

Future implications: The integration of AI-powered search into Apple’s ecosystem represents a strategic shift that could fundamentally change how iOS users interact with information and automate tasks, though the true impact will depend on user adoption and the eventual rollout to free users.