OpenAI Acquires Sky AI to Enhance Mac User Experience with Advanced Desktop Integration

OpenAI Expands Desktop Presence with Sky Acquisition

OpenAI has reportedly acquired Software Applications, Inc., the company behind an unreleased AI-powered natural language interface for Mac computers called Sky, according to Thursday’s announcement. Sources indicate this strategic move represents OpenAI’s significant push to embed its artificial intelligence technology more deeply into consumers’ everyday computing experiences and business environments that operate on Mac systems.

OpenAI Expands Desktop Presence with Sky Acquisition
Sky’s Capabilities and Vision
Experienced Development Team
Competitive Landscape with Apple
Privacy and Security Considerations
Deal Structure and Leadership

Sky’s Capabilities and Vision

The Sky software product, which had not been released to the public before the acquisition, is designed to work alongside users throughout their day as they utilize various applications on their computers. Analysts suggest the interface can view what’s displayed on users’ screens and perform actions within applications on their behalf, functioning similarly to emerging AI browser technologies. The system reportedly assists with writing tasks, planning activities, coding projects, and numerous other computer-based functions.

Software Applications co-founder and CEO Ari Weinstein stated in the announcement that “We’ve always wanted computers to be more empowering, customizable, and intuitive. With LLMs, we can finally put the pieces together. That’s why we built Sky, an AI experience that floats over your desktop to help you think and create. We’re thrilled to join OpenAI to bring that vision to hundreds of millions of people.”, according to market analysis

Experienced Development Team

The acquisition brings to OpenAI a highly experienced team with a proven track record in the Apple ecosystem. Reports indicate that Weinstein and co-founder Conrad Kramer previously created Workflow, which they sold to Apple, where the technology evolved into what is now known as Shortcuts. Both founders continued working at Apple for several years before departing to establish Software Applications in August 2023.

The third co-founder and COO, Kim Beverett, reportedly spent nearly a decade at Apple as a senior program and product manager, working on numerous core technologies including Safari, WebKit, Privacy, Messages, Mail, Phone, FaceTime, and SharePlay. This extensive Apple background positions the team uniquely to develop AI solutions integrated within the Mac environment., according to market analysis

Competitive Landscape with Apple

The acquisition occurs as Apple, which has reportedly been trailing in AI development compared to competitors, is expected to launch a significantly enhanced Siri with advanced AI capabilities next year. According to industry reports, Apple has already implemented various features utilizing its Apple Intelligence technology, including writing assistants, live translation tools, image creation capabilities, visual search functions, and more.

Analysts suggest that Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI, which includes routing Siri queries that cannot be answered by Apple’s system to ChatGPT, creates an interesting competitive dynamic. Additionally, Apple offers developers a Foundation Models framework that provides access to local AI models, enabling direct integration of AI capabilities into third-party applications.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Industry observers note that Apple has positioned privacy as a fundamental component of its AI offerings, which could present challenges for agentic AI systems like Sky that view screen content and perform actions on users’ behalf. Recent evaluations of similar AI browser technologies reportedly indicate significant safety concerns, suggesting it might require substantial development time for Apple to create a comparable Mac AI system that maintains its privacy standards.

Deal Structure and Leadership

While specific financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, data from Pitchbook indicates that Sky’s developer had raised approximately $6.5 million from investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Figma CEO Dylan Field, Context Ventures, and Stellation Capital. Reports confirm that Altman maintained a passive interest in the startup through an investment fund prior to the acquisition.

The transaction was reportedly led by Head of ChatGPT Nick Turley and OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, Fidji Simo, with approval from OpenAI’s board of directors.