OpenAI has officially acquired Software Applications Incorporated, whose core team is the original creator of Apple's Shortcuts app. The team's previous automation app, Workflow, was acquired by Apple in 2017 and subsequently integrated into core features of iOS and macOS.
Prior to the acquisition, the team also launched a preview of Sky, an AI assistant app designed for Mac. Sky uses natural language processing to understand screen content and directly access other apps, strongly aligning with OpenAI's AI strategy.
OpenAI emphasized in a statement that the acquisition aims to bring Sky's deep macOS integration capabilities to ChatGPT, enhancing the seamless collaboration between AI and user workflows. Notably, the acquisition comes at a critical time when Apple's AI-enhanced Siri core functionality has been delayed until 2026, and OpenAI is accelerating its application ecosystem through continued acquisitions and partnerships.
The company has previously collaborated with former Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive on AI hardware, and this acquisition further underscores its ambition to expand into the Apple ecosystem. Industry analysts point out that the Sky team's deep understanding of system-level automation will significantly enhance the practicality and competitiveness of ChatGPT on the desktop.
