Apple tests AI upgrade for Siri with ChatGPT or Claude

Apple wants to catch up with artificial intelligence. Its voice assistant, Siri, has long lagged behind the competition in terms of features, comprehension, and reliability. Now, things might be changing. Apple is currently exploring whether to collaborate with providers of large-scale language models to significantly improve Siri. OpenAI, the developers of ChatGPT, and Anthropic, the developer of Claude, are in talks.

If you use an iPhone, you probably know Siri as a friendly, but often limited, assistant. While ChatGPT understands complex contexts and can conduct real dialogues, Siri often remains superficial. Apple is aware of this problem. Therefore, the company is looking for ways to integrate powerful language models into Siri—either through a partnership with OpenAI or with Anthropic. Internal discussions are already underway.

Apple tests language models from OpenAI and Anthropic

According to Bloomberg, Apple has met with both companies to discuss a possible integration of their language models into Siri. The goal is to address Siri's weaknesses with a modern AI model that also runs on Apple's infrastructure. The cloud solutions Apple uses for this are called Private Cloud Compute. Both companies are currently training versions of their models that are specifically tailored to these servers. Tests are ongoing. A decision has not yet been made. Apple is currently examining which model is technically and strategically most suitable – and whether it really wants to convert Siri partially or entirely to third-party AI.

Anthropic is ahead in the tests

So far, according to internal sources, Anthropic is said to have the edge. Claude appears to align better with Apple's requirements than ChatGPT. Apple and Anthropic have even already discussed initial financial terms. This involves an annual license fee in the billions – with the option to increase it in the coming years. This is precisely what makes the decision complicated. Apple doesn't want to become dependent and is therefore continuing to consider a collaboration with OpenAI. The company is weighing technology, costs, and long-term control.

Apple is also developing its own AI model – but slowly

At the same time, Apple is working on its own large-scale language model. This model is intended to power Siri in the long term – but is not yet ready for use. At WWDC in June 2024, Apple announced new Siri features for the iPhone 16, but was unable to deliver them in time due to technical reasons. In March 2025, Apple then announced that the so-called Apple Intelligence Siri features would not be released until 2026. This delay sparked criticism and complaints from users. The plan is now to provide these features with an update for iOS 26. The next major goal is an expanded version of Siri with a full-fledged language model starting with iOS 27 in fall 2026.

ChatGPT integration in Siri starts with iOS 18

The first steps have already been taken. With iOS 18, Apple is introducing a forwarding feature: Siri can send requests to ChatGPT if she's stuck for a solution. You'll then receive a more detailed response directly from ChatGPT—without having to open the app. Apple is already officially collaborating with OpenAI on this. The feature is designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing Siri interface. While this isn't complete integration yet, it's an important interim step. Apple wants to offer you improved features now, while continuing to work internally on its own model.

Apple is planning the next generation of Siri – but how?

Apple is facing a strategic decision. In-house development or partnership—or both? With Claude from Anthropic, a technical solution seems within reach, but expensive. ChatGPT is already partially integrated and could deliver more. At the same time, Apple wants to remain independent in the medium term and continues to invest in its own AI models. For you as a user, this means: Siri will change. The ChatGPT integration launched with iOS 18, personalized features will be added with iOS 26, and Siri will operate on a new level starting with iOS 27. The role Apple, OpenAI, or Anthropic will play in this will be decided in the coming months. (Image: Apple)