Apple is planning to open iPhone AI software to rival models in iOS 27

Within the software, Apple has labeled the feature "Extensions" — a system that, according to Bloomberg, routes Apple Intelligence tasks like Siri, Writing Tools, and Image Playground through whichever AI service a user selects from a menu in Settings. The change is set for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 this fall.

Participation requires AI companies to build support into their existing App Store applications. Bloomberg reported that Google $GOOGL, a subsidiary of Alphabet, and Anthropic are among the companies Apple has already been running internal tests with. The company plans to add an App Store section highlighting compatible AI apps while continuing to offer its own in-house models.

Apple intends to include a disclaimer making clear that it bears no responsibility for outputs produced by outside AI systems. On top of that, Bloomberg described a coming option that ties distinct Siri voices to distinct AI sources — so a response routed through something like Anthropic's Claude would sound different from one handled natively by Apple.

This change could be a setback for OpenAI. Since Apple Intelligence launched in 2024, ChatGPT has been the only third-party option, but Bloomberg notes that both Apple and OpenAI have seen less engagement than expected. Their relationship has also been tense, as OpenAI has hired engineers away from Apple to work on its own devices.

Apple's move toward a more open AI platform follows a broader effort to rebuild Siri's underlying architecture and deepen its partnership with Google. A multiyear deal would see the next generation of Apple Foundation Models built on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology to help power future Apple Intelligence features. Bloomberg reported in March that Apple was already working on a similar approach for Siri itself, allowing users to swap out ChatGPT as the external chatbot within the voice assistant.

Apple is scheduled to hold its annual software developer conference in June, where it is expected to share more details about its AI plans, according to Reuters. Bloomberg also detailed additional features tied to the fall update: a rebuilt version of Siri getting its own dedicated app, a Siri shortcut accessible from the camera, enhanced AI capabilities for photo editing, and a new Wallet feature for building personalized passes.

Apple declined to comment.