Apple to Let Businesses Control ChatGPT and AI on Company Devices [Report]

Apple is preparing to roll out new tools that will give businesses more granular control over how their employees use artificial intelligence on company devices, according to a new report from TechCrunch. Among the new options is the ability to configure access to OpenAI's ChatGPT for Enterprise. The features are expected to arrive this fall with the company's major software updates.

OpenAI says it now has over 5 million business customers using its AI services to connect with internal data. With Apple's new tools, IT administrators will be able to manage how these external AI services are used on company devices.

The report notes that the system is not hard-coded just for ChatGPT. Instead, IT administrators will be able to restrict or allow any "external" artificial intelligence provider, leaving the door open for future deals with other players. Apple has already integrated ChatGPT to handle some queries that its own cloud can't, though requests are routed either to Apple or to ChatGPT — not from Apple's cloud directly to OpenAI's.


This setup also gives businesses more control over where data is processed. While Apple has expressed confidence in its Private Cloud Compute architecture, TechCrunch says companies will be able to choose whether to handle AI requests on-device or in the cloud. Businesses can also decide whether employees' AI requests may go to the public version of ChatGPT, even if the company doesn't have its own deal with OpenAI.

Beyond AI, the report highlights other new features for Apple's largest customers. These include an API for Apple Business Manager to integrate with IT tools, new Device Management options to simplify migrations, and an updated Return to Service feature that wipes devices while keeping apps installed — saving time and bandwidth. Return to Service will also be available for Vision Pro for the first time.

For shared Macs, TechCrunch says an authenticated Guest Mode will let employees log in with credentials from their identity provider, with data erased upon logout. Businesses will also have the option to add NFC readers to Macs, enabling logins with a simple tap of a watch or phone.

These new enterprise tools are expected to roll out in September as part of Apple's broader software updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for the latest developments.