Apple Intelligence users must wait until iOS 26 for GPT-5 integration

Apple Intelligence’s ChatGPT integration will upgrade to GPT-5 with the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26, according to Apple’s confirmation to 9to5Mac. This means users will have to wait until Apple’s next major software cycle to access OpenAI’s newest AI model through Apple’s ecosystem, even though GPT-5 became available to all ChatGPT users on Thursday.

What you should know: Apple Intelligence currently relies on OpenAI’s GPT-4o model for its ChatGPT integration features.

• The integration helps power certain Siri queries and works alongside Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature, which functions similarly to Google Lens by identifying objects and text through your camera.
• Apple has only publicly stated that its next major software updates will arrive in the “fall,” likely launching next month.

The timing gap: OpenAI released GPT-5 to all ChatGPT users on Thursday, including those on the free tier, but Apple users will need to wait for the next major OS cycle.

• Apple has not yet clarified whether GPT-5 will be included in developer or public betas of the upcoming updates.
• The company confirmed the GPT-5 integration will specifically arrive with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26.

Market context: OpenAI reports that ChatGPT is now used by approximately 700 million people weekly, highlighting the significant user base that will have access to GPT-5 before Apple Intelligence users.