OpenAI today announced a major milestone: ChatGPT is now accessible through WhatsApp and phone calls. This marks another step in making AI, eventually AGI, accessible to everyone, no matter where they are or what device they use.
Since launching ChatGPT on the web two years ago, OpenAI has introduced apps for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. Now, it has expanded its reach even further.
“We care about reducing barriers for more people to try AI and see what it can do,” said Antonia W, product manager at OpenAI, during the live demo.
From Hack Week to Everyday Use
“The team built this in just a few weeks, and we loved it so much, we had to ship it,” shared CPO Kevin Weil in the live demo.
Now, U.S. users can call ChatGPT toll-free at 1-800-CHAT-GPT (1-800-242-8478), while globally users can add ChatGPT on WhatsApp by scanning a QR code or saving the number shared during the demo.
Interestingly, even older devices like flip phones and rotary phones were tested. To everyone’s surprise, ChatGPT responded smoothly to requests, whether explaining complex topics like reinforcement learning or helping with simple travel questions.
Distribution is Everything
OpenAI’s move to phone and WhatsApp access marks a significant step in making AI tools more universally available. By simplifying how people connect with ChatGPT, the company is positioning AI as an everyday tool.
“This isn’t just about technology,” Weil added. “It’s about making AI useful for everyone, no matter where they are or what they’re doing.”
This is also a move to capture Meta’s users on Whatsapp – which as of September 2024 has over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide. This feature in a way competes with Meta’s AI assistant.
Built for Everyone
“We’re making ChatGPT accessible to more people in ways that feel familiar,” said Antonia W.
This expansion reflects OpenAI’s mission to make ChatGPT a helpful, everyday tool for everyone—whether they use a smartphone, a classic flip phone, or even a rotary dial.
As part of the 12 days of OpenAI, the company has unveiled ChatGPT o1, featuring enhanced math and science capabilities, AI reinforcement fine-tuning for improved reasoning, the Sora video generation tool, Canvas for collaborative text and code editing, ChatGPT integration with Apple Intelligence, advanced voice mode with visual features, projects for organising sessions, and an upgraded ChatGPT search with faster performance on mobile devices.
