OpenAI has made a significant move by launching its iOS app for ChatGPT, with plans to release an Android version shortly. The free app allows users to engage with the popular AI chatbot on their iPhones and iPads, introducing voice input capabilities supported by OpenAI’s Whisper speech recognition model. The release of the app comes as a surprise to many, as OpenAI had not previously hinted at its development. However, it aligns with the immense popularity that ChatGPT has garnered since its launch last November.
With estimates suggesting that ChatGPT attracted around 100 million users by January, the demand for a mobile app was undeniable. OpenAI initially introduced ChatGPT as an experiment but quickly found a consumer audience using it for a wide range of applications, from academic assistance to business needs. In response to the growing user base, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Plus, a premium subscription offering priority access and responses generated by the advanced GPT-4 language model. The subscription has been available via the web, but the new mobile app will provide users with a dedicated and seamless experience.
Previously, mobile users relied on Microsoft’s Bing app to access OpenAI’s language models. However, the introduction of the official ChatGPT app is likely to lure some users away from Microsoft’s offering. It also serves as a means to combat the proliferation of spam and fake apps falsely claiming to provide access to ChatGPT. With the official app now available, users can confidently engage with the chatbot’s capabilities without compromising security or falling victim to misleading alternatives.
Moreover, the new ChatGPT app goes beyond the browser-based version by incorporating voice command functionality. While the app responds in text rather than voice, this development brings a more interactive and intuitive experience, resembling popular digital assistants like Siri and Alexa. OpenAI’s goal with the app is to transform its AI research into practical tools that empower individuals while ensuring accessibility remains a priority.
As OpenAI continues to expand the availability of the ChatGPT app, starting with the United States and expanding to other countries in the following weeks, it aims to tap into the vast potential of AI-powered conversational assistance on mobile devices. By providing users with a seamless and voice-enabled experience, OpenAI solidifies its commitment to advancing AI technology while making it more accessible to a broader user base.