OpenAI Acquires Makers of Apple Shortcuts App to Enhance AI in macOS
OpenAI has finalized the acquisition of Software Applications Incorporated, a company founded by Ari Weinstein and Conrad Kramer, known for their previous work on Apple's Shortcuts app. This strategic move is expected to drive deeper integration of artificial intelligence capabilities within the macOS ecosystem.
Weinstein and Kramer originally gained recognition for creating Workflow, an automation tool that Apple acquired in 2017. After its acquisition, Apple rebranded Workflow as Shortcuts and incorporated it into macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and partially into watchOS. Following their tenure at Apple, the duo established Software Applications Incorporated and began developing an AI-driven automation tool called Sky for macOS.
Sky, introduced in mid-2025 in a limited capacity online, combined traditional automation features with advanced AI, allowing users to interact with and automate Mac functions using natural language. The application leverages chatbot-style interactions to perform tasks such as extracting calendar events from emails or automating actions across various apps and system functions. Its design aims to make computing more intuitive and adaptable by harnessing large language models for context-aware automation.
OpenAI's acquisition of Software Applications Incorporated was driven by the innovative approach Sky represented. Although the tool was only publicly available in demonstration form, OpenAI recognized its potential to significantly enhance user productivity and accessibility within the Mac environment. The integration of Sky's technology is anticipated to strengthen ChatGPT's role on macOS, offering users a seamless and intelligent workflow solution.
The specific plans for Sky's features within OpenAI's product suite remain undisclosed. However, it is expected that elements of Sky will be incorporated into future versions of ChatGPT for Mac. This could lead to a more sophisticated, natural language-driven experience for users seeking to automate tasks and streamline their digital workflows.
The acquisition also brings several experienced developers to OpenAI, including former Apple employees with expertise in macOS and automation. This infusion of talent is likely to bolster OpenAI's ongoing efforts to innovate at the intersection of AI and personal computing.
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Notably, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had previously invested in Software Applications Incorporated through one of his investment funds. The merger follows OpenAI's recent launch of its Atlas browser, which is currently available exclusively for macOS, signaling the organization's increased focus on the Apple ecosystem.
Industry observers suggest that this acquisition could accelerate the adoption of AI-powered automation tools among macOS users, potentially reaching hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide. The collaboration is positioned to set new standards in desktop automation by making advanced AI tools more accessible and intuitive for everyday users.