OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, the company behind Sky, a natural language interface for Apple's Mac computers, as the artificial intelligence firm seeks to embed its technology more deeply into everyday computing tasks.

Sky enables AI to interact with applications running on macOS, understanding screen content and executing actions across different programmes. Users can employ natural language commands whilst writing, planning, coding or managing daily activities, with the software operating alongside existing applications rather than replacing them.

The American AI company plans to integrate Sky's macOS capabilities into ChatGPT, with the entire development team joining OpenAI. The acquisition signals the firm's ambitions to transform its chatbot from a question-answering service into a more proactive assistant capable of completing tasks within users' existing software environments.

Nick Turley, OpenAI's vice president overseeing ChatGPT, characterised the move as accelerating efforts to bring AI "directly into the tools people use every day" rather than confining it to standalone applications. "We're building a future where ChatGPT doesn't just respond to your prompts, it helps you get things done," he stated.

Ari Weinstein, Software Applications Incorporated's co-founder and chief executive, described Sky as realising a longstanding vision for more intuitive computing. "We've always wanted computers to be more empowering, customisable, and intuitive. With [large language models], we can finally put the pieces together," he explained, noting that Sky was designed as "an AI experience that floats over your desktop to help you think and create."

The acquisition follows a pattern amongst AI companies seeking to move beyond conversational interfaces toward systems that actively manipulate software and complete multi-step tasks. Competitors including Anthropic and Google have demonstrated similar ambitions, with various "AI agent" prototypes capable of booking appointments, filling forms or navigating websites.

Such capabilities raise questions about security, privacy and user control—concerns likely to intensify as AI systems gain permissions to access screen content and operate applications on users' behalf. OpenAI has not detailed what safeguards will accompany Sky's integration into ChatGPT.

The company disclosed that an investment fund associated with OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman held a passive stake in Software Applications Incorporated. OpenAI stated the acquisition was led by Turley and chief operating officer Fidji Simo, with approval from independent board committees—presumably to manage potential conflicts of interest.

Financial terms were not disclosed, though acquisitions of early-stage AI companies have commanded substantial valuations as established technology firms race to secure talent and capabilities in a competitive market.

The deal represents OpenAI's continued expansion beyond its core language model development into consumer-facing products, following launches of enterprise ChatGPT offerings, image generation tools and voice interfaces. Deeper operating system integration could strengthen the company's competitive position against rivals whilst potentially creating new revenue streams through enhanced productivity features.