OpenAI Acquires Sky to Revolutionize AI Experience for Mac Users
OpenAI revealed on Thursday that it has acquired Software Applications, Inc., the creator of Sky, an AI-powered natural language interface designed for Mac computers. Although the product had not yet launched publicly, it was built to accompany users throughout their daily workflows—writing, planning, coding, and more. Like AI browsers, Sky can view what’s on the screen and take action within apps, offering a seamless digital assistant experience.
This move marks a major step in OpenAI’s goal of embedding its technology into daily computing for both individual users and businesses operating on Mac systems. “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. We’re thrilled to join OpenAI to bring that vision to hundreds of millions of people,” said Software Applications co-founder and CEO Ari Weinstein.
The Founders’ Track Record and Apple’s AI Direction
The team behind Sky has an impressive history of innovation. Before founding Software Applications in 2023, Ari Weinstein and Conrad Kramer co-created Workflow, which was later sold to Apple and evolved into Shortcuts. Both remained at Apple for several years before venturing into their new company. Meanwhile, Sky’s COO, Kim Beverett, spent nearly a decade at Apple as a senior program and product manager, contributing to projects such as Safari, Messages, FaceTime, and SharePlay.
While Apple has lagged behind in AI innovation, it plans to launch an upgraded Siri with enhanced AI features next year. The company already offers AI-driven tools—such as writing assistance, live translation, image generation, and visual search—through its Apple Intelligence framework, which spans across Mac and other platforms. Furthermore, Apple’s Foundation Models framework allows developers to integrate AI directly into apps. However, since Apple emphasizes privacy, an agentic AI system like Sky, which sees and acts on behalf of users, could face scrutiny from privacy-conscious customers.
Agentic AI remains a developing field, and current reviews suggest AI browsers still carry safety risks. Consequently, Apple may take time before launching a comparable system for Mac users.
Deal Details and Strategic Implications
Although the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, Pitchbook data shows that Software Applications raised $6.5 million in funding from investors including Sam Altman, Dylan Field, Context Ventures, and Stellation Capital. OpenAI confirmed that Altman’s involvement was through a passive investment fund.
The acquisition was led internally by Head of ChatGPT Nick Turley and OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, Fidji Simo, with board approval secured. This deal not only strengthens OpenAI’s foothold in the personal computing space but also signals a growing trend: the convergence of AI agents with core operating systems. As users increasingly seek intelligent, context-aware digital assistants, Sky could play a pivotal role in redefining how people interact with their computers every day.
