iOS 27 will give users a new way to integrate third-party AI platforms, according to a new report. This will allow iPhone users to choose from several third-party models from companies like Google and Anthropic, including the ability to set custom voices in Siri based on which external model responds.
iOS 27 integration with AI apps
According to BlombergApple is referring to this new feature as “Extensions” as part of iOS 27. In testing builds of iOS 27, Apple explains that Extensions “lets you access generative AI features in installed apps on-demand, through Apple Intelligence features like Siri, Write Tools, Image Playground and more.”
The report explains:
Apple Inc. will allow users to choose from a range of external artificial intelligence services to optimize the functionality of its software, building on a strategy to transform its devices into a comprehensive AI platform.
Users will be able to choose from several third-party AI models for tasks such as generating and editing text and images, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The change is planned for iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 this fall, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private.
Users will be able to choose from AI models that enable support through their App Store apps. For example, Google and Anthropic could add support for this extension system to the Gemini and Claude apps, respectively. Then, users could choose to use these templates to power features like Siri, writing tools, etc.
This is in addition to Apple’s agreement with Google to use Gemini to power native Siri and Apple Intelligence features. Today’s report also follows a Bloomberg report from March, which explained how the extensions system would work with Siri itself. What’s new today is how the system will work with broader Apple Intelligence features beyond the voice assistant.
Apple added ChatGPT integration in iOS 18, using it as a fallback for global knowledge queries in Siri. ChatGPT can also be accessed through things like Image Playground.
Speaking of Siri, today’s report also states that iOS 27 will allow users to choose different voices for each AI model:
Another improvement will allow users to choose different voices for Siri conversations powered by external models. Queries handled by Apple’s own system could use one voice, while responses from third-party models, such as Anthropic’s Claude, could use another.
iOS 27 will be demonstrated at WWDC, which begins on June 8. What do you think of Apple’s plans for iOS 27 so far? Let us know in the comments.
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