OpenAI Acquires Mac AI Interface Builder Software Applications Incorporated

OpenAI has announced its acquisition of Software Applications Incorporated, the company behind Sky — a natural language interface designed for macOS that allows users to interact with their computers through context-aware AI.

The move underscores a broader shift in AI development: progress is no longer defined only by smarter models, but by how effectively those models integrate into people’s daily workflows.

Sky represents a new generation of human-computer interaction. It operates as a floating assistant on the Mac, capable of understanding what’s on a user’s screen and taking action in their apps.

This integration allows the AI to assist with everything from writing and coding to scheduling and planning — tasks that often require juggling multiple windows or tools. By bringing Sky into ChatGPT, OpenAI aims to make its assistant more proactive and embedded in the computing environment, rather than limited to chat-based interactions.

Future goals

Nick Turley, OpenAI’s VP and Head of ChatGPT, explained the significance of the acquisition in the announcement, “We’re building a future where ChatGPT doesn’t just respond to your prompts, it helps you get things done. Sky’s deep integration with the Mac accelerates our vision of bringing AI directly into the tools people use every day.”

His statement reflects OpenAI’s growing emphasis on utility — ensuring AI systems don’t just converse but also take meaningful action on behalf of users.

From the perspective of Software Applications Incorporated, this acquisition aligns with its founding vision.

CEO Ari Weinstein commented, “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.”

Weinstein’s words highlight how Sky was conceived not as a chatbot, but as a companion interface that enhances human creativity.

AI experiences

The integration of Sky into ChatGPT could mark a major milestone in the evolution of personal computing. As generative AI moves beyond web browsers and mobile apps into native operating systems, users could experience AI that not only understands their context but also executes tasks — bridging the gap between intention and action.

It also sets the stage for a competitive new frontier, as major players like Apple, Google, and Microsoft race to embed AI assistants directly into their operating systems.

OpenAI confirmed that all members of the Sky team will join the company to continue their work. The acquisition was led by Turley and Fidji Simo, and approved by OpenAI’s independent Transaction and Audit Committees.

The company disclosed that an investment fund associated with Sam Altman held a passive investment in Software Applications Incorporated, ensuring transparency around potential conflicts of interest.

This article was reviewed by Antony Peyton.