OpenAI acquires Sky to bring AI interface to Mac users

OpenAI is moving closer to embedding AI into everyday computing with the acquisition of Sky, a Mac-based natural language interface developed by Software Applications, Inc. Sky, which has not yet been released publicly, is designed to assist users across their desktop workflow, from writing and planning to coding and research. The software can monitor your screen and interact with your apps, bringing the capabilities of AI browsers directly into the Mac environment.

The acquisition signals OpenAI’s ambition to make AI a seamless part of both personal and professional work. Sky’s founders, Ari Weinstein, Conrad Kramer, and Kim Beverett, bring deep experience from Apple, where they helped develop Workflow (now known as Shortcuts) and contributed to foundational Apple products like Safari, Mail, and FaceTime. Their track record demonstrates a consistent ability to translate complex tasks into intuitive user experiences, and now that vision is joining OpenAI’s ecosystem.

Sky is built to float above the desktop, offering real-time assistance and context-aware suggestions without interrupting workflows. This agentic AI approach could help users manage multiple tasks, automate repetitive actions, and surface relevant information before it’s explicitly requested. For example, it could draft documents, organize research, or trigger code snippets in response to natural language instructions, effectively acting as a productivity co-pilot.

Apple, historically cautious with AI, is expected to introduce a revamped Siri with advanced AI features next year. Current Apple Intelligence features like live translation, writing helpers, and visual search hint at the company’s AI ambitions, but Sky’s agentic approach—seeing what’s on your screen and taking action—is a step beyond what’s currently available. OpenAI’s acquisition could accelerate the integration of proactive AI capabilities into consumer and enterprise Mac workflows, potentially setting new expectations for desktop intelligence.

The deal underscores OpenAI’s strategy to blend generative AI into daily tools, making it an intuitive part of user routines rather than a standalone product. While Apple emphasizes privacy, Sky’s agentic nature raises questions for security-conscious users, reflecting the ongoing tension between AI utility and user control. OpenAI’s team, including Nick Turley and Fidji Simo, is tasked with ensuring Sky enhances productivity while maintaining trust, a challenge that could define the next era of AI-assisted computing.

Financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but Sky had raised $6.5 million from notable investors including Sam Altman, Dylan Field, Context Ventures, and Stellation Capital. The investment signals confidence in Sky’s technology and its alignment with OpenAI’s broader vision of embedding AI across consumer and business applications. As OpenAI integrates Sky, the potential to transform Mac workflows becomes tangible, offering a glimpse into a future where AI is not just a tool but a continuous partner in creativity and productivity.

For Mac users, the arrival of Sky under OpenAI hints at a new desktop experience: one where intelligent assistants anticipate needs, automate repetitive tasks, and provide contextual support across every app you use. As the technology matures, those who adopt early could redefine efficiency in writing, coding, research, and project management. OpenAI’s Sky could mark the start of an era where agentic AI blends invisibly into everyday workflows, helping users achieve more without adding friction.

For anyone looking to stay ahead in productivity and AI-enabled computing, following OpenAI’s work with Sky could provide early insights into how agentic interfaces are reshaping digital experiences. Activating Sky’s features when they arrive will let users test proactive AI assistance on real-world workflows, offering a first look at what a truly intelligent desktop can deliver.