Apple(US:AAPL) Feng Huang Wang·2026-01-03 14:52Core Insights - OpenAI CEO Sam Altman aims to create an app store that can compete with Apple, but early tests indicate significant challenges ahead [1] - The integration of ChatGPT with various applications is seen as a step towards transforming human-computer interaction, posing a potential threat to Apple's ecosystem [2] Group 1: OpenAI's Strategy - Altman believes that the real competition lies with Apple rather than Google, as OpenAI's vision includes evolving ChatGPT into an operating system [3] - OpenAI is collaborating with former Apple chief designer Jony Ive to develop hardware aimed at replacing the iPhone [3] - Analysts suggest that whoever controls access to popular online services will hold a valuable position in the digital landscape, currently dominated by Apple [3] Group 2: Application Performance - Testing revealed that traditional applications are still too powerful to be quickly replaced, with many ChatGPT integrations struggling to perform effectively [2] - Users experienced difficulties when trying to use Uber through ChatGPT, as it required multiple steps and did not allow direct booking [5] - Similar issues were noted with OpenTable and Tripadvisor, where users faced errors and delays, contradicting the goal of simplifying tasks through AI [6] Group 3: Successful Integrations - ChatGPT's integration with Instacart was notably successful, allowing users to create meal plans and add items to their cart seamlessly [7] - Instacart's collaboration with OpenAI improved significantly after a key executive transitioned from Instacart to OpenAI, facilitating better integration [8] - The successful integration of applications like Instacart may pose a growing concern for Apple, although using traditional iPhone apps remains easier for users [8]