San Francisco, October 25, 2025:
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has taken a major step into desktop computing by acquiring Software Applications Incorporated, the startup behind Sky, an advanced AI-powered natural language interface for Mac computers. The acquisition marks OpenAI’s clear intention to expand beyond conversational AI into desktop automation and workflow integration, transforming ChatGPT into a productivity-focused assistant.
Sky: Bringing AI Directly to macOS
Sky is not just another Mac app—it is an ambient AI layer that overlays the desktop and interacts with open applications and documents. Using natural language commands, users can instruct Sky to:
- Summarize long documents.
- Draft emails based on on-screen content.
- Automate multi-step workflows across native Mac apps.
- Assist with coding, planning, and other complex tasks.
Nick Turley, VP and Head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, explained, “Sky’s deep integration with the Mac accelerates our vision of bringing AI directly into the tools people use every day.” The aim is to evolve ChatGPT into a proactive digital collaborator that can perform meaningful actions across a user’s desktop environment.
Former Apple Talent Strengthens OpenAI
The acquisition also brings in the Software Applications team, including co-founders Ari Weinstein and Conrad Kramer, who previously created Workflow, later acquired by Apple and transformed into the native Shortcuts app. Their expertise in system-level automation and macOS integration is expected to play a key role in embedding ChatGPT into Apple’s ecosystem.
Ari Weinstein stated, “We’ve always wanted computers to be more empowering, customizable, and intuitive. Sky lets LLMs help people think and create directly on their desktop. Joining OpenAI allows us to bring this vision to hundreds of millions of users.”
The Strategic Significance
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition signals OpenAI’s ambition to dominate AI interfaces on Apple devices. It comes amid a growing race among tech giants:
- Microsoft: Embedding Copilot into Windows.
- Google: Advancing agent-like AI features.
OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a full desktop assistant, complementing recent innovations like ChatGPT Atlas, its AI-powered web browser.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Sky’s ability to monitor screens and take action naturally raises data privacy concerns. OpenAI must balance functionality with user trust, particularly in the Apple ecosystem, known for strong privacy standards. Ensuring context-aware AI is secure will be critical as integration begins in the coming months.
