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Can ChatGPT really replace your apps? I tried using the chatbot for 12 everyday tasks on my phone — here’s what happened
techradar.com Aug 7, 2026

Can ChatGPT really replace your apps? I tried using the chatbot for 12 everyday tasks on my phone — here’s what happened

Curated by · TechCapsules ·

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Amidst ongoing legal disputes and complex partnerships between Apple and OpenAI, a TechRadar journalist conducted a practical experiment to determine if ChatGPT could replace standard smartphone applications. The test involved substituting twelve everyday mobile tasks with the AI chatbot to evaluate its viability as a primary interface. While the journalist excluded tasks requiring direct access to private data like email, WhatsApp, or digital wallets, other routine functions were assessed. The experiment aimed to identify which apps might become obsolete if AI became the central operating system. By attempting to use ChatGPT for activities such as timing workouts or managing schedules, the reporter sought to gauge the current technological limitations and practicality of an AI-driven phone experience. This real-world trial provides insight into the potential future of mobile computing, where conversational AI might supersede traditional app ecosystems, offering a glimpse into how users might interact with their devices if the industry shifts toward AI-centric interfaces.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The experiment exposes the current functional gap between conversational AI and dedicated utility apps, challenging the narrative that chatbots can immediately replace established software ecosystems.
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