Top AI Chatbot Apps for iPhone and Mac: Features & Pricing

AI chatbots: they're no longer the futuristic tools we dreamed of—they're here, and they’re reshaping the way we function in both work and life. Whether you’re conducting research, wrestling with creative tasks, or just trying to generate the perfect set of instructions to draw a cow for some reason (yes, that’s a thing now), today’s chatbot apps are here to help. And no, you don’t need to wait for Apple to roll out its own chatbot experience—these third-party apps are already setting the bar, running seamlessly on your iPhone, iPad, and even your Mac.
Let’s break down the details of the best AI chatbot apps available today. Here’s what’s hot in AI and why these apps matter.

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1. Anthropic Claude​

Imagine a chatbot that doesn't just talk but dives deep into conversations and helps you handle documents efficiently—sounds good, right? Meet Anthropic’s Claude, an AI chatbot that prioritizes user interaction and conversational flow.

Key Features:​

• Available Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Web, and Mac.
• Strengths: Claude shines as a document whisperer. Need to sift through complex text or summarize reports? That’s its specialty.
• Shortcomings: No image generation here. If you were hoping to multitask and whip up some graphics with it, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
• Pricing: Free to use, but advanced features unlocked through Claude Pro ($20/month).

Claude essentially takes on rivals like ChatGPT in the conversational AI space but stands out with its ease of use for working professionals. It feels like the calm, organized teacher we all wish we had in high school.

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2. DeepSeek​

If you ever wanted to see your chatbot think, DeepSeek’s got you covered. This app doesn’t just give you answers; it shows you the logical steps it used to figure them out.

Key Features:​

• Unique Offer: Displays its "thought process." For example, ask it for an image of a cow, and while it won’t generate pictures, it will explain how you could draw one with artist-like precision.
• Platforms: iPhone and web.
• Security Perks: Supports "Sign In with Apple" for securely creating accounts without sharing your main email.
• Pricing: Free.

DeepSeek seems like the quirky genius friend who is smarter than anyone you know but inexplicably still can’t draw you a cow.

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3. Google Gemini​

Remember Google Bard? Forget it, because Google Gemini has swept the AI landscape by storm as its evolved replacement. If you’re wondering how Gemini stacks up, think all-in-one power plus laser-focused integration with Google’s other apps.

Key Features:​

• Top Features: Gemini isn’t just a chatbot—it does voice interaction, image generation, and recognizes input from photos and videos.
• Google Magic: Integrates tightly with apps like Google Drive and Google Photos.
• Pricing: Free basic access, with Gemini Advanced for $19.99/month.

The combination of voice mode and seamless app integration makes it a powerhouse for users deeply plugged into the Google ecosystem. Whether you’re dictating emails or casually asking for memes generated on demand, Gemini is here to play ball.

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4. Meta AI​

Facebook (now Meta) may have figured out how to connect billions of people, but its AI chatbot game still feels like a work in progress. Powered by Meta’s famous Llama AI architecture, Meta AI chat tools integrate with Messenger, Instagram, and more. But if you’re looking for a killer standalone app, you’ll likely be disappointed.

Key Features:​

• Capabilities: Some image generation on select platforms, like WhatsApp. Basic conversational skills otherwise.
• Accessibility: Available through Messenger (functional but finicky on Mac).
• Pricing: Free.

Let’s be honest—Meta’s AI feels like the big brain in the room that still hasn't figured out a proper vibe. If you’re already in Meta’s ecosystem, it might serve as a decent sidekick, but standalone AI-contenders like Google Gemini outshine it in usability.

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5. Microsoft Copilot​

Combine the muscle of OpenAI with Microsoft’s enterprise-grade ambition, and you get Microsoft Copilot. Like Apple’s Notes on steroids, Copilot makes an impression as a productivity dream for busy professionals.

Key Features:​

• Image Generation: Yes, it does that.
• Enterprise Appeal: Designed for deep integration with tools like Office.
• Pricing: Free basic version, with Copilot Pro ($20/month) adding advanced features like Copilot Voice.

Copilot seems best suited for people already living in Microsoft Office 24/7. If Excel-Saturdays are your thing, this is your chatbot.

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6. OpenAI ChatGPT​

Ah, the OG of the AI world. ChatGPT set the standards high, becoming synonymous with the very concept of chatbots. And in typical overachiever fashion, OpenAI hasn’t stopped making it better.

Key Features:​

• Cross-platform Wonder: Available on iPhone, iPad, Web, AND Mac with features tailored for each device.
• Voice Mode: Advanced voice options for giving Siri a serious run for its assistant-money.
• Pricing: Free tier available, but ChatGPT Plus subscription at $20/month unlocks next-gen features, and ChatGPT Pro pushes the professional envelope further at $200/month.

ChatGPT’s integration with macOS even boosts Apple Intelligence capabilities—you could argue it’s already achieving what Siri should have been doing ages ago.

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7. Perplexity​

This is one of those quiet players that’s doing all sorts of cool things behind the scenes. Perplexity may have flown under your radar, but it’s evolving rapidly by merging AI-powered search with strong conversational chops.

Key Features:​

• Deep Integration: Uses models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI for nuanced responses.
• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, and web.
• Pricing: Free tier with advanced options under Perplexity Pro for $20/month.

For users obsessed with privacy, it’s reassuring to know Perplexity runs its servers securely within the U.S. while delivering lightning-fast responses.

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8. xAI Grok​

Raise your hand if you thought X’s (formerly Twitter’s) efforts to jump into AI development were doomed to fail. Well, think again. Grok 2 is here, with conversational intelligence that feels shockingly coherent—and yes, it can generate pictures, too.

Key Features:​

• Specific Edge: Pulls real-time data from X and across the web.
• Access Options: Free tier available, but subscribing to X Premium significantly increases access limits.
• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, and web.

Think of xAI Grok as the rogue wildcard—resourceful and edgy, but still polishing out the glitches.

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The Takeaway​

The realm of AI-powered chatbots for Apple devices has matured rapidly, offering a blend of choices that range from enterprise-focused tools to casual conversation powerhouses. For now, OpenAI ChatGPT remains the most robust overall option. However, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini are sleeper hits for anyone embedded in their respective ecosystems.
Ultimately, the best chatbot app is the one that suits your specific needs. Whether you want to debate philosophy, draft a business proposal, or request step-by-step cow-drawing advice, there’s an app here for you.
So go ahead, dive in—your new chatbot buddy awaits!

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Source: 9to5Mac https://9to5mac.com/2025/01/29/best-ai-chatbot-apps-for-iphone-ipad-mac/