Apple is expanding its enterprise AI offerings with new tools that give businesses finer control over how their staff access artificial intelligence.
As part of the software updates rolling out in September, Apple will allow enterprise customers to configure the use of an enterprise version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
OpenAI reports that ChatGPT for Enterprise now supports over five million corporate users, who connect the AI to their internal data for greater productivity. However, Apple’s approach is more flexible than simply enabling or blocking ChatGPT itself.
According to Apple’s support documents, IT administrators can restrict or permit any “external” AI service provider, not only OpenAI. This leaves Apple free to partner with other AI vendors common in the enterprise space without needing to change protocols.
Alongside new AI features for end users, such as advanced writing tools and visual intelligence, Apple is giving IT departments the ability to manage access to these capabilities. While Apple champions its Private Cloud Compute system, which processes sensitive data directly on devices, companies may choose whether AI requests are handled locally or in the cloud.
Notably, businesses can decide if employee AI queries are sent to ChatGPT’s cloud service, even if they do not have an enterprise agreement with OpenAI. As Apple explains, “Because requests never go from Apple’s cloud to ChatGPT directly—it’s either/or—it’s easier to disable the ChatGPT setting.”
Other updates include an API for Apple Business Manager to integrate with IT management tools, improved device migration options for mergers and acquisitions, and enhancements to the Return to Service feature that preserves apps during device resets. Return to Service will also support Vision Pro headsets for the first time.
For shared Macs, a new authenticated Guest Mode allows users to sign in with corporate credentials and wipes user data on logout while keeping apps intact. Additionally, Macs can be equipped with NFC readers for quick login via a phone or watch.
All these enterprise-focused updates will arrive with Apple’s wider software refresh for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more in September.