OpenAI’s artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, has made its debut as a free smartphone app, initially available for iPhones and iPads in the U.S., with plans to extend its availability to Android devices and other countries. The mobile version provides additional features not available in the desktop version, such as voice interaction.
OpenAI’s delay in releasing a smartphone version of ChatGPT allowed for a surge of clone apps based on similar technology, some of which have been accused of deceptive practices like pushing users towards free trials that automatically convert into subscriptions or employing intrusive advertising. The launch of the official ChatGPT app may eventually reduce the proliferation of these clone apps, although many users may choose to stick with the versions they have already downloaded.
Unlike many tech firms, OpenAI does not focus on maximizing user engagement as it doesn’t rely on an advertising-based business model. Rather, the company makes its revenue from premium subscriptions, and from developers and corporations that pay to integrate its AI models into their own products. The company’s main partner, Microsoft, has invested heavily in the startup and has incorporated ChatGPT-like technology into its own products.