The hidden costs of Apple's AI: What users need to know about Apple Intelligence

Tech giant Apple is moving deeper into the world of artificial intelligence with the rollout of Apple Intelligence, its proprietary AI framework designed to enhance user experiences across its ecosystem. While early versions of Apple Intelligence have been introduced, much of the platform's anticipated features remain under development, with a major addition—ChatGPT integration—poised for a December release.

With the second beta version of iOS 18.2 now available for developers, Apple has unveiled significant advancements in the integration of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, with its virtual assistant, Siri. The latest beta introduces several new settings for managing ChatGPT use, including a daily limit tracker and the option to upgrade to a paid subscription for unrestricted access.

The iOS 18.2 beta includes an “Advanced Capabilities” section in the Siri settings, highlighted by MacRumors, where users can see a daily usage limit for ChatGPT requests. Without a paid plan, the system displays the usage status as "Under Limit," reflecting that only a restricted number of advanced ChatGPT queries are available each day. Once this free limit is reached, Siri downgrades to a basic, older model of ChatGPT.

Apple's use of ChatGPT in Siri provides free access to some advanced capabilities, including the new GPT-4o model, albeit with certain restrictions. For users who rely heavily on ChatGPT's advanced functionalities, a subscription option is available for $19.99 per month. This ChatGPT Plus plan offers five times the messaging capacity compared to the free tier, as well as increased allowances for photo and file uploads, image generation, and web browsing. It also unlocks an "advanced voice mode" that enables more interactive and natural conversations with ChatGPT.

Apple has streamlined the process for signing up for ChatGPT Plus. Users can either log in if they already have an account with OpenAI or sign up directly through the Siri settings, which redirects to an in-app browser for a quick setup. This seamless integration allows users to subscribe or upgrade without needing to leave the iOS environment.

While Apple Intelligence promises to enhance productivity and user experience, some reports have noted “hidden costs” associated with the rollout. The availability of the full suite of Apple Intelligence apps has been staggered, with much of it still unavailable. Apple’s move to offer limited free ChatGPT capabilities, combined with a paid option, highlights its strategy of providing high-end AI tools at a cost.

For users on the free plan, the AI experience is notably limited. Free access to advanced ChatGPT-4o requests is capped and resets every 24 hours, potentially limiting the usability for those who need frequent AI assistance. Additionally, free access to image creation using OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 model is restricted to just two images per day, limiting creative output without a paid plan.

With ChatGPT integration, Apple is entering a competitive space with established AI providers, and the mixed approach—offering free access alongside a premium paid tier—may prove attractive to users looking for a balance of accessibility and advanced functionality. However, as Apple Intelligence continues to evolve, the balance between “free” and “paid” access will be crucial in shaping users’ experiences and satisfaction.

The current beta provides a glimpse into the direction Apple is taking with its AI ecosystem, but the long-term impact will depend on how well it manages the expectations and needs of its users—especially as AI becomes an increasingly integral part of the Apple ecosystem.