ChatGPT Apps vs iPhone Apps: Why Apple Still Holds the Advantage

The idea of replacing traditional smartphone apps with AI-powered chatbots sounds revolutionary, but real-world testing suggests that this shift will take time. According to recent evaluations, OpenAI’s early experiments with an app-style ecosystem inside ChatGPT have struggled to deliver a seamless experience, making it difficult to challenge Apple’s deeply entrenched App Store model.

Backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the vision is ambitious. The company wants ChatGPT to evolve into a kind of operating system, allowing users to complete tasks like grocery shopping, music playlist creation, or travel planning without opening separate smartphone applications. In theory, this approach could threaten Apple’s tightly controlled iOS ecosystem. In practice, however, traditional apps remain far more capable.

Tests show that while some integrations work reasonably well, many fall short. For example, Instacart performs relatively smoothly inside ChatGPT. In one instance, the chatbot successfully created a weekly vegetarian meal plan and added all required groceries to a Costco cart, redirecting the user to Instacart’s website for final payment. This workflow highlights how OpenAI could eventually earn transaction fees by acting as the entry point for online services.

Most other app integrations, however, feel clunky. Using Uber through ChatGPT takes longer than using the iPhone app directly. While the chatbot can estimate fares and arrival times, users still need to jump to a web page to book a ride and re-enter pickup details. Even triggering the feature requires precise commands, which undermines the promise of simplicity.

Similar issues appear with restaurant reservations and travel planning. Attempts to book tables via OpenTable or plan trips using TripAdvisor often result in errors or fallback web searches. Ironically, these extra steps go against the very goal of AI-driven task automation.

Altman has repeatedly stated that Apple, not rival chatbots, is OpenAI’s real competition. This belief is reinforced by the company’s broader plans, including collaboration with former Apple chief designer Jony Ive on new hardware concepts. Altman has even acknowledged that one future device is intended to replace the iPhone altogether.

Analysts argue that whoever controls the entry point to commonly used online services controls one of the most valuable toll booths on the internet. Today, that position clearly belongs to Apple, which collects significant commissions from developers through the App Store. While increased chatbot usage could strengthen OpenAI’s influence over time, it has not yet weakened Apple’s role.

Developers working with ChatGPT say they are integrating their services simply because users are already there. Still, apps ultimately need a platform to run on, and for now, iOS and Android remain essential. Even OpenAI acknowledges this reality, emphasizing rapid iteration over waiting for perfection.

The takeaway is clear. AI-powered interfaces are improving and may eventually reshape how users interact with digital services. But at present, traditional smartphone apps are simply too powerful and reliable to be replaced. OpenAI’s app strategy represents an early step toward a larger transformation, not an immediate threat to Apple’s dominance.

Stay connected, thanks for reading, and your feedback helps us improve. Make sure to add a comment below if you have any suggestions.