How to Use Siri with ChatGPT on Older iPhones (No Apple Intelligence Needed)
Apple’s iOS 18 introduced groundbreaking Apple Intelligence features, including a native integration between Siri and ChatGPT. This marks a major step forward for conversational AI on iPhones. However, the catch is clear: these features are only available on newer devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and beyond, leaving millions of older iPhone users without official support.
Apple may have restricted its latest Apple Intelligence features to newer iPhones, but the company is also investing heavily in developing its own AI models to power the next generation of iOS experiences. From multilingual support to on-device personalization, these models aim to make Siri smarter and more context-aware. You can dive deeper into this evolution in our detailed article on Apple AI Models.
But here’s the good news: even without Apple Intelligence, you can still use Siri with ChatGPT on older iPhones. This article explores how to set it up, the different methods available, their pros and cons, and why this workaround matters for everyday users.
Why Older iPhones Don’t Support Apple Intelligence
Apple has made it clear that the hardware requirements for Apple Intelligence are steep. The system relies on the A17 Pro chip and future silicon, capable of handling advanced on-device processing for privacy and speed. Unfortunately, this leaves out devices like the iPhone 14 series and older.
The limitation doesn’t mean older iPhones are obsolete. Instead, it means you need to use workarounds to enjoy Siri + ChatGPT functionality.
Method 1: Use the ChatGPT App With Siri
The most straightforward option is to install the ChatGPT iOS app from the App Store.
Steps:
- Download and install the ChatGPT app.
- Log in with your OpenAI account.
- Summon Siri and say:
“Ask ChatGPT [your question]” - Siri opens the ChatGPT app, sends your request, and reads back the reply.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to set up.
- Works on any iPhone running iOS 18.
- No coding required.
Cons:
- Siri sometimes mishears or delays requests.
- Limited customization compared to shortcuts or APIs.
Method 2: Create a Siri Shortcut for ChatGPT
For more control, you can build a custom Siri Shortcut that links directly to ChatGPT.
Steps:
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Tap the “+” icon to create a new shortcut.
- Add an action: Ask ChatGPT (via the ChatGPT app or API).
- Rename the shortcut to something simple like “Ask ChatGPT” or “AI Assistant”.
- Trigger it by saying:
“Hey Siri, ask ChatGPT about today’s weather.”
Pros:
- Flexible naming and customization.
- Faster execution compared to launching the app directly.
- Works offline for Siri trigger.
Cons:
- Requires a few minutes of setup.
- Might stall if Siri misfires.
Method 3: Use OpenAI’s API via Siri Shortcuts
If you want complete control, the OpenAI API method is the most advanced option.
Steps:
- Sign up for an OpenAI account and generate an API key.
- Open Shortcuts → Create New.
- Add actions:
- Get Dictated Text (for Siri input).
- Call OpenAI API with your API key.
- Speak Text (to read the response).
- Save as “ChatGPT Siri.”
Pros:
- Fully customizable (choose GPT-4o, GPT-5 mini, etc.).
- Can add extra actions like saving results to Notes.
Cons:
- Requires API key management.
- Usage may cost money depending on model and tokens.
- Privacy concerns since requests bypass Apple’s protections.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Works on Older iPhones? | Difficulty | Customization | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT App + Siri | Yes | Easy | Low | Free (basic use) |
| Custom Shortcut + Siri | Yes | Medium | Medium | Free |
| OpenAI API via Shortcut | Yes | Advanced | High | Pay‑as‑you‑go API |
| Apple Intelligence (Native) | No | Seamless | High | Free (limited to new devices) |
User Reactions and Tips
Many iPhone users have already tested these methods:
- “Try saying ‘Hey Siri, ask ChatGPT.’ It works surprisingly well with the shortcut.” – Reddit user on r/iPhone14Pro
- “Sometimes Siri misfires, but renaming the shortcut to something like ‘AI’ improves reliability.” – Reddit user on r/shortcuts
The community is actively experimenting, and shortcuts are evolving to be more stable.
Why This Matters
Even without Apple Intelligence, Siri’s integration with ChatGPT opens up powerful new possibilities:
- Accessibility: Voice-driven AI for users with visual impairments.
- Productivity: Quick access to brainstorming, summarization, and translations.
- Creativity: Writing, coding, and ideation—all hands-free.
It demonstrates that you don’t need the newest iPhone to unlock AI-powered voice assistance.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s decision to limit Apple Intelligence to newer iPhones might frustrate many, but workarounds mean you don’t have to miss out entirely. Whether through the ChatGPT app, Siri Shortcuts, or API integration, older iPhone users can still enjoy a Siri + ChatGPT experience.
- For beginners: Use the ChatGPT app with Siri.
- For tinkerers: Build a custom Shortcut.
- For power users: Tap into the OpenAI API.
In short, your older iPhone is still a powerful AI assistant in your pocket—you just need the right setup.