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With iOS 27, Apple is preparing one of the most significant updates for the iPhone. The focus is on extensive changes to Siri, which will significantly advance the voice assistant in the direction of artificial intelligence. New information reveals that Apple will no longer rely solely on individual AI partnerships, but will introduce an open system for various chatbot apps.
The planned innovations surrounding iOS 27 build upon developments of recent years. ChatGPT integration into Siri has existed since iOS 18, but further announced extensions have yet to materialize. Apple now appears to be pursuing a different strategy: Instead of concluding individual deals, Siri is to become the central interface for various AI services through a flexible extension system.
The current details stem from a report by Mark Gurman, who regularly provides insights into Apple's internal plans. The official unveiling of iOS 27 is expected on June 8th at WWDC.
Extension system brings AI chatbots directly into Siri
One of the most important new features in iOS 27 is a new extension system for Siri. This allows third-party apps to integrate their AI functions directly into the voice assistant. Specifically, this means:
- Apps can provide their own AI agents.
- These agents work directly with Siri.
- The usage is system-wide, not just within individual apps.
The AI app Claude, developed by Anthropic, is cited as an example. It will be possible to connect it to Siri in the future. This will significantly expand Siri's functionality without Apple having to develop every integration itself.
Moving away from individual AI partnerships
Apple had originally planned to integrate several AI providers directly into Siri. After the introduction of ChatGPT in iOS 18, the integration of Google's Gemini was also mentioned as a possibility.
This specific integration, however, never materialized. Instead, Apple opted for a different solution: an open system that allows access for multiple AI providers simultaneously.
Nevertheless, close cooperation with Google continues. Its Gemini models are used internally, particularly for:
- Apple Intelligence
- Personalized features
- Control within apps
Many of these features are not yet released, but are expected to be made available in the future.
Notes from test versions of the operating systems
Early test versions of iOS 26, as well as the parallel updates for other Apple devices, already contain concrete indications of the new system. These describe that:
- Extensions allow apps to interact with Siri and system functions.
- Users are directed to a new area of the App Store via a menu.
- Additional AI services can be actively added.
This creates a kind of marketplace for AI extensions within the Apple ecosystem.
Support on iPhone, iPad and Mac
The new extension system will not only be available on the iPhone. Alongside iOS 27, the following will also be released:
- iPadOS 27
- macOS 27
All three platforms support the integration of AI chatbots into Siri. This creates a consistent user experience across all devices.
Prerequisite: App updates by the developer
For AI chatbots to work with Siri, developers need to make adjustments. Existing apps must be updated to support the new interfaces.
Without these updates, the integration remains inactive. Apple merely provides the technical foundation, while actual usage depends on implementation by third-party providers.
First AI integration even before iOS 27
Part of the new strategy is already visible before the release of iOS 27. With iOS 26.4, AI chatbots will gain access to CarPlay for the first time. This means:
- AI apps can be used in the vehicle.
- Features need to be adapted by the developers.
- Siri remains the central control unit
This change can be seen as preparation for the more comprehensive innovations in iOS 27.
Siri is evolving into an AI chatbot
In addition to integrating external services, Apple is also working on fundamentally changing Siri itself. The goal is to make the assistant function like a modern AI chatbot. Plans include:
- improved communication skills
- better understanding of the context
- more flexible answers
According to reports, Apple is also testing a standalone Siri app. This app is also intended to support the new extension system and could play a larger role in the system in the long term.
iOS 27 heralds a new AI course at Apple
With iOS 27, Apple is pursuing a clear change in strategy regarding artificial intelligence. Instead of isolated integrations, an open system is being created that brings together various AI chatbots in Siri.
The combination of proprietary technology, existing partnerships, and new expansion possibilities makes Siri a central platform for AI applications. The planned changes affect not only the iPhone but the entire Apple ecosystem.
The official unveiling at WWDC should reveal how far this transformation has progressed and what role iOS 27 will play in the future competition among AI platforms. (Image: Shutterstock / Bendix M)
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