Apple to Let Users Choose Rival AI Models Across Apple Intelligence in iOS 27 [Report]

Apple is preparing to significantly expand how third-party artificial intelligence operates across its ecosystem. When iOS 27 launches this fall, users will reportedly be able to choose from rival AI models to power Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground, while also expanding Siri support for third-party AI services.



According to Bloomberg, Apple refers to the capability internally as Extensions. Found within the Settings app, the feature will allow developers of third-party AI models to opt in through their App Store applications. Once installed, users can configure which AI service handles specific generative tasks across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.


We previously noted that Apple planned to open Siri to third-party assistants, but this latest report suggests the integration extends much further into Apple Intelligence itself. Bloomberg says Apple is already testing the framework internally with Google and Anthropic.

The company has already worked closely with Google to revamp the underlying models powering Siri and uses Anthropic's technology for internal AI infrastructure and product development. Apple will reportedly continue offering its own in-house models alongside third-party alternatives, part of a broader strategy to position its devices as an open AI platform rather than relying exclusively on Apple-built models.

For OpenAI, the move marks the end of ChatGPT's exclusive status within Apple Intelligence. While the integration launched as a major pillar of Apple's AI strategy, Bloomberg reports that usage has been lower than Apple and OpenAI originally expected. The relationship between the two companies has also become increasingly strained, with OpenAI actively recruiting Apple engineers to build competing hardware.

The update will also bring a few new customization features. Users will reportedly be able to assign different voices to different AI models during Siri conversations, helping distinguish responses generated by Apple's own systems from those coming from external services like Claude. Apple is also preparing a dedicated App Store section for compatible AI apps and plans to include disclaimers stating that it is not responsible for content generated by third-party models.


These changes are expected to arrive alongside several other major updates in iOS 27, including a standalone Siri app, a dedicated Siri mode in the Camera app for Visual Intelligence, new AI-powered editing tools for Photos, and custom pass creation for Wallet.