OpenAI recently acquired Software Applications Incorporated, the company behind "Sky," an artificial intelligence interface for Mac computers. This move, announced around October 23-24, 2025, signals OpenAI's strong intention to embed its ChatGPT technology directly into the operating systems people use every day. The acquisition aims to transform ChatGPT from a conversational tool into an active assistant that helps users complete tasks across their Mac devices.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]} ### Sky Brings AI to Your Mac Desktop Sky is an AI-powered natural language interface designed specifically for Mac. Unlike traditional AI tools that live in web browsers, Sky operates directly on the computer. It can understand what is on a user's screen and then take actions within various applications.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][8][9][10]} The technology was developed to "float" over the desktop, assisting with common tasks such as writing, planning, and coding.^{[2][3][6][9][10]} Before the acquisition, Sky had not yet been released to the public.^[1][9][10] OpenAI plans to integrate Sky's deep macOS capabilities and product design into ChatGPT. Nick Turley, OpenAI's Vice President and Head of ChatGPT, explained the company's vision. "We're building a future where ChatGPT doesn't just respond to your prompts, it helps you get things done," Turley said. "Sky's deep integration with the Mac accelerates our vision of bringing AI directly into the tools people use every day."^{[1][2][3][5][7][9]} ### A Team with Deep Apple Roots The team behind Sky, Software Applications Incorporated, will now join OpenAI.^{[2][3][5][6][8]} This includes co-founders Ari Weinstein and Conrad Kramer. They are well-known in the tech world for previously creating "Workflow," an automation app that Apple acquired in 2017. Apple later rebranded Workflow into its popular "Shortcuts" feature.^{[6][8][9][10]} Their expertise in system-level software and user experience made Sky a highly anticipated AI interface.^[10] Ari Weinstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Software Applications Incorporated, expressed excitement about the acquisition. "We've always wanted computers to be more empowering, customizable, and intuitive," Weinstein said. "With LLMs, we can finally put the pieces together. That's why we built Sky, an AI experience that floats over your desktop to help you think and create. We're thrilled to join OpenAI to bring that vision to hundreds of millions of people."^{[1][2][3][9][10]} ### Expanding ChatGPT Beyond the Browser This acquisition is a clear step in OpenAI's strategy to move ChatGPT beyond web browsers and standalone applications. It represents a significant push into native desktop integration and "agentic AI." Agentic AI systems are designed to carry out actions on behalf of users, often by observing their activities and taking initiative.^[4][8][10] This allows ChatGPT to become a more ambient and proactive assistant on a user's computer. The deal follows closely on the heels of OpenAI launching ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered web browser for Mac, just days before the Sky acquisition.^[4][8][9] Together, these moves suggest OpenAI aims to establish ChatGPT as a central interface for the entire computing experience on Apple's platform. This strategy puts OpenAI in direct competition with other tech giants like Microsoft's Copilot for Windows and Google's agent-like features in Search.^[4] ### Privacy and Security Considerations While the integration promises enhanced productivity, it also brings up important discussions about privacy and cybersecurity. Agentic AI systems like Sky need extensive permissions, including the ability to view and record a user's screen, to perform their functions.^[1][10] Cybersecurity experts and privacy advocates have already voiced concerns regarding these capabilities.^[1][10] Apple, a company known for its strong privacy stance, is also developing its own AI-powered Siri for release in 2026. This new "Apple Intelligence" framework will integrate features like writing assistance and visual search. Apple already partners with OpenAI to route some Siri queries to ChatGPT.^[10] However, Apple's cautious approach to privacy could mean a different path for its own agentic AI systems compared to OpenAI's.^[10] ### OpenAI's Broader Hardware Ambitions Beyond software, OpenAI is also making significant strides into hardware. The company reportedly plans to launch ChatGPT-powered AI devices for homes and productivity, with initial releases targeted for late 2026 or early 2027.^[11][12] These potential devices include smart speakers, digital voice recorders, and wearable AI pins.^[11][12] OpenAI has partnered with renowned designer Jony Ive, who previously led design at Apple for products like the iPhone. OpenAI acquired Ive's AI hardware startup, io, to help develop these new devices.^[11][12][13] The company has also recruited former Apple product design head Tang Tan as its Chief Hardware Officer.^[12] OpenAI is leveraging Apple's supply chain in China, working with manufacturers like Luxshare and Goertek, to produce its upcoming ChatGPT devices.^[12] One prototype device is described as pocket-sized, context-aware, and designed to integrate seamlessly with ChatGPT's advanced AI models.^[12] This aggressive push into both software and hardware illustrates OpenAI's ambition to redefine human-computer interaction and establish itself as a leader in the next era of AI-driven technology. The company also continues to invest heavily in custom chips and computing infrastructure with partners such as Broadcom, Nvidia, and AMD to support its vast AI development.^[3][14]

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