iOS 27: No more exclusivity for ChatGPT; Siri will open to all other AIs

On June 8, during the traditional annual WWDC, Apple will unveil its upcoming operating systems.

Among the most anticipated features certainly stands out the new version of the iPhone software, iOS 27, which will bring with it a structural change in the California-based company’s approach to generative artificial intelligence.

The exclusivity enjoyed by ChatGPT since the 2024 update has come to an end: Apple’s voice assistant is preparing to welcome a plurality of competing services.

Siri in iOS 27, an open system based on extensions

ios 26
Credits: Apple

According to the latest rumors from journalist Mark Gurman on Bloomberg, Apple’s strategy involves introducing a true extension system dedicated to Siri.

This infrastructure will allow third-party developers to integrate their chatbots directly within the digital assistant. Rather than signing complex individual commercial agreements with every AI provider, the company will provide a universal channel for all.

For example, a user will be able to download the Claude app, the AI developed by Anthropic, and have it interact seamlessly with the phone’s features via voice commands.

To facilitate this process, strings extracted from trial builds of future operating systems indicate the arrival of a new section within the App Store, designed specifically to collect and promote services equipped with this integration.

The devices supported and the deal with Google

The new communication mechanism will not be confined to smartphones alone. The extensions will debut simultaneously on iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27, offering a seamless experience across computers, tablets, and smartphones.

It’s important to note that this openness toward external applications does not cancel Apple’s plans related to the use of Google’s Gemini models.

These will continue to provide the technological backbone for specific Apple Intelligence functions, focused especially on processing personal information and direct control of internal features across various apps, highly anticipated features that have yet to appear on devices.

The chatbot extensions will thus complement the foundations developed with Google, leaving end users the freedom to choose their preferred virtual assistant for general queries.

Will there be an independent Siri app?

Looking ahead to the coming months, Bloomberg’s report reveals additional projects under development in Cupertino’s labs.

Apple is reportedly working to transform Siri itself into a much more modern conversational chatbot, going as far as testing a completely autonomous standalone app dedicated to the voice assistant.

This future independent app will also support the same extension system, confirming the intention to create an ecosystem surprisingly open to competition.