OpenAI Buys Startup Behind Mac’s AI Assistant “Sky”

Artificial intelligence company OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, a small but fast-rising startup founded by former Apple engineers.

The San Francisco–based startup is known for developing “Sky,” a natural language interface that allows Mac users to control their computers using simple voice and text commands. The move strengthens OpenAI’s goal of embedding artificial intelligence into people’s everyday digital experiences.

Sky, which was introduced earlier this year but has not yet been released publicly, lets users write, plan, code, and manage tasks across different applications just by typing or speaking naturally. The system can understand what appears on a user’s screen and act on it, providing what OpenAI describes as a “floating AI experience” over the desktop.

All 12 employees of Software Applications, including co-founders Ari Weinstein, Conrad Kramer, and Kim Beverett, will join OpenAI following the acquisition. Weinstein and Kramer previously built Workflow, an iOS automation app that Apple purchased in 2017 and later rebranded as Shortcuts.

Nick Turley, OpenAI’s Vice President and Head of ChatGPT, said the deal represents an important step in OpenAI’s mission to make AI more useful in daily life.

“We’re building a future where ChatGPT doesn’t just respond to your prompts — it helps you get things done,” said Turley. “Sky’s deep integration with the Mac accelerates our vision of bringing AI directly into the tools people use every day.”

Weinstein also shared his excitement about the partnership.

“We’ve always wanted computers to be more empowering, customizable, and intuitive,” he said. “With large language models, we can finally put the pieces together.”

OpenAI did not disclose the financial details of the Sky deal. However, Software Applications had previously raised $6.5 million in seed funding from investors including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Figma CEO Dylan Field, and Context Ventures.

The purchase follows several other major acquisitions by OpenAI this year, such as the $1.1 billion takeover of Statsig and the $6 billion acquisition of Jony Ive’s AI hardware startup, io.

According to OpenAI, the transaction was led by Turley and Fidji Simo, the company’s Head of Applications, and approved by independent board committees. The company plans to incorporate Sky’s macOS expertise into ChatGPT, expanding its vision of AI that can both think and act.