iPhone and iPad users can now directly access ChatGPT Search through the Shortcuts app. This functionality was initially discovered in the ChatGPT app’s recent update, though the feature name has evolved from ‘SearchGPT’ to ‘ChatGPT Search’ in the latest version.
The integration stems from OpenAI’s earlier SearchGPT prototype, which has now been fully incorporated into ChatGPT as a search feature rather than existing as a standalone product. To access this functionality, you’ll need to run the most current version of the ChatGPT app, which received its latest update just yesterday.
Setting up the shortcut is straightforward:
- Launch the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap the ‘+’ icon to create a new shortcut
- Name your shortcut anything you prefer, then use the search bar to look up ‘ChatGPT’
- From the available options, pick either ‘New Chat Configuration’ or ‘Start a new conversation with ChatGPT’
- Enable the ‘Open ChatGPT search’ toggle and select ‘Done’ to finalize your shortcut
When activated, this shortcut instantly opens ChatGPT with search mode enabled. There are multiple ways to trigger the shortcut:
Method 1: Back tap shortcut
Configure the shortcut to activate with a double or triple tap on your iPhone’s back panel for quickest access.
Method 2: Siri activation
Use voice commands through Siri to launch the search function hands-free.
Method 3: Automation triggers
Set up location-based or time-based automations to launch ChatGPT Search automatically.
Method 4: Manual activation
Launch the shortcut directly from the Shortcuts app, though this is the least efficient method.
The shortcut integration opens up new possibilities for iPhone users who prefer ChatGPT’s search capabilities over traditional search engines. While it may not be as comprehensive as a browser extension, it provides quick access to AI-powered search functionality through iOS’s native tools.
Note that this feature requires an active ChatGPT Plus or Teams subscription. OpenAI has indicated plans to make ChatGPT Search available to free users in the future, which would also extend to this shortcut functionality.