OpenAI Acquires Mac Automation App Sky Developer Software Applications Inc.
Key Points
- OpenAI buys Software Applications Inc., the maker of the Mac automation app Sky.
- Sky uses agentic AI to understand screen content and trigger actions across apps.
- The entire Software Applications team joins OpenAI to enhance ChatGPT's capabilities.
- Apple is developing a new Siri version that can act within third‑party apps, expected in spring 2026.
- OpenAI recently launched ChatGPT Atlas, its first web browser, on macOS.
- Earlier this month, OpenAI also acquired the AI‑powered personal‑investing app Roi.
OpenAI announced it has purchased Software Applications Incorporated, the creator of the Mac automation app Sky. Sky, which leverages agentic AI to understand screen content and act across applications, will be integrated into ChatGPT. The acquisition also brings the entire Software Applications team into OpenAI. The move follows Apple’s recent work on Siri enhancements and comes shortly after OpenAI released its first web browser, ChatGPT Atlas, and bought the personal‑investing app Roi.
OpenAI expands its AI portfolio with the purchase of Software Applications Inc.
OpenAI confirmed it has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, the company best known for the iOS automation tool Workflows, which Apple previously bought and rebranded as Shortcuts. This year, Software Applications introduced Sky, a new automation application for macOS that utilizes agentic artificial intelligence to interpret what appears on a user’s screen and trigger actions in other apps.
OpenAI plans to embed Sky’s deep macOS integration and product craftsmanship into its flagship conversational product, ChatGPT. All members of the Software Applications team will join OpenAI, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in automating workflows and expanding the functional reach of its AI services.
Sky’s core promise is captured in its own description: "Whether you’re chatting, writing, planning, or coding, Sky understands what’s on your screen and can take action using your apps." This vision aligns with OpenAI’s broader strategy to make its models more operative and useful across everyday computing tasks.
The acquisition arrives amid parallel developments at Apple. Apple is working on a revamped version of Siri that can perform actions within third‑party applications, a capability demonstrated in 2024 and slated for a broader release in spring 2026. OpenAI has already announced third‑party app integration for ChatGPT, highlighting a competitive push toward more interactive AI assistants.
OpenAI’s recent product rollouts underscore its rapid expansion. Just days before the Sky acquisition, the company launched ChatGPT Atlas, its inaugural web browser, initially available on macOS with plans to roll out to iOS, Android, and Windows. Additionally, OpenAI acquired the AI‑driven personal‑investing platform Roi earlier in the month, further diversifying its AI‑based service ecosystem.
Collectively, these moves signal OpenAI’s aggressive pursuit of growth through strategic acquisitions and product innovation, positioning the company to broaden the practical applications of generative AI in both consumer and professional environments.