Apple Will Reportedly Allow Other AI Chatbots to Plug Into Siri
Summary
Apple's iOS 27 update will allow users to choose the AI chatbot they want to link with Siri. Third-party chatbots downloaded from the App Store, like Google's Gemini or Anthropic's Claude, will be able to fetch replies for Siri — similar to how the voice assistant already works with OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Key Details
- New "Extensions" feature: Will give users the ability to enable or disable the chatbots they want to connect with Siri on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Works with standalone app: The upcoming integrations will also work with the standalone app Apple reportedly plans on launching for its AI-upgraded version of Siri
- Google Gemini deal: Following several setbacks, Apple revealed in January that it's working with Google to power its overhauled Siri. The deal also includes the ability for Apple to use Gemini to train smaller AI models
- AI App Store implications: Extensions will have a dedicated App Store section, effectively creating an AI App Store - a marketplace for third-party AI integrations
- WWDC 2026: Apple is expected to reveal the newest versions of its operating systems during WWDC set to kick off on June 8th
"The company is 'opening Siri and Apple Intelligence to third-party services.' Extensions will have a dedicated App Store section, making it hard to believe Apple will stop at just a couple of chatbots."
Analysis
This represents a significant shift in Apple's AI strategy. Rather than keeping Siri as a closed ecosystem, Apple is opening it up to third-party AI providers, creating what amounts to an "AI App Store" within the existing App Store infrastructure.
The move mirrors how Apple allowed third-party keyboards after initially restricting them, and how Apple Music competitors can now integrate with Siri. This creates a new marketplace for AI chatbots while keeping Apple at the center of the user experience.