The news: Apple is planning to open Siri to third-party AI assistants, shifting the iPhone toward being a broader AI platform. The move, expected with iOS 27, would let users route Siri queries to multiple external AI services apps, per Bloomberg.

• This would be supported by an “Extensions” system now in testing, in which users turn the services they want to work inside Siri on or off.
• Users could choose which AI model handles specific requests—such as Google’s Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude—rather than defaulting to ChatGPT, which currently has preferred integration.

The changes are expected to be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, though features could still evolve or be delayed.

This is separate from the January announcement that Apple will use Gemini to power future AI upgrades for Siri in a multiyear partnership.

Zooming out: Apple has internally debated its reliance on OpenAI, per Bloomberg, with some executives favoring Google and expressing uncertainty about OpenAI’s suitability as a partner. A more open Siri framework could reduce friction for adding new AI services, eliminating the need for individual deal-making.

The strategy would mark a departure from Apple’s earlier one-off AI partnership approach, which preferred OpenAI, moving instead toward a more scalable, multipartner model.

• Opening Siri could help Apple catch up in the AI race by using third-party products rather than relying solely on in-house development or the innovations of a single partner.
• The approach could also create new monetization opportunities, as Apple could take a cut of third-party AI subscription revenues through the App Store.

Why it’s worth watching: By offering users more choice over which models Siri can access, Apple could make the iPhone a more flexible AI hub that prioritizes user preferences over system lock-in.

That hints at a broader rethink of Apple’s platform strategy, as it selectively opens its walled gardens to stay competitive in AI without fully giving up control. The move could speed up AI assistant adoption on mobile by lowering friction for both developers and users.

Implications for Apple: A multiassistant approach could risk fragmenting the user experience, raising questions about consistency of assistant responses and how Apple will manage quality across third-party integrations.

Ultimately, how Apple balances openness with its traditional control over hardware, software, and Services will decide how this strategy strengthens its ecosystem advantage.

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