ChatGPT app gets a new SearchGPT shortcut on iPhone and iPad

ChatGPT for iOS and iPadOS has received a new shortcut that allows users to more easily access SearchGPT functionality. OpenAI introduced the SearchGPT or ChatGPT search function last month, asking the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to use information sourced from the Internet to find answers to users’ questions. The feature is currently available to the platform’s paying subscribers. This shortcut allows eligible users to directly open the app while web search is enabled.

ChatGPT for iOS, iPadOS gets the SearchGPT shortcut

The new feature for compatible iPhone and iPad models was released by OpenAI without much fanfare. The company has not made any social media posts or announcement blogs to publicize its existence, but several Internet users and publications discovered its existence on Tuesday. Gadgets Also 360 employees were able to confirm its existence.

To add this shortcut, iOS and iPadOS users will need to download and install Apple’s Shortcuts app. Once done, they can find ChatGPT in there, as long as the AI ​​app is also installed. In the app view, users will now see a new Open SearchGPT shortcut option, in addition to the existing options for voice calls, quick questions and new chat, as well as options to activate specific AI models under GPT-4o and GPT-4o mini.

By selecting the SearchGPT option, users can now add this shortcut to the home screen. SearchGPT can also be activated via Siri on devices that have received the latest iOS 18.1 update and take advantage of the new capabilities of the virtual voice assistant.

Notably, OpenAI introduced SearchGPT in October, describing it as a better way to search the web. The feature uses the AI ​​company’s own search engine to let the chatbot surf the web. This allows ChatGPT to answer questions that are outside the knowledge base, and base the answers within the confines of the source material. The chatbot also displays all web pages used to generate the response so users can verify the information.

Normally, Apple users can activate SearchGPT by tapping the globe icon at the bottom of the text field in ChatGPT. However, the shortcut icon automatically enables the web search option when the user opens the app, requiring additional tapping.