Apple Plans to Let Users Select Third-Party AI Models for iOS 27 Features This Fall

Apple plans to allow users to select third-party AI models for various tasks in iOS 27, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The feature will extend to iPadOS 27 and macOS 27, enabling third-party chatbots to power AI functions system-wide. Users will have their pick of third-party AI models for a host of tasks in Apple's latest operating system updates.

IOS 27 is expected for release this fall, along with iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. The new capability, dubbed 'Extensions' internally, will let users access generative AI capabilities from installed apps on demand through Apple Intelligence features such as Siri, Writing Tools, and Image Playground.

Compatible third-party AI models will be able to run these features like Writing Tools and Image Playground.

Apple is testing models from Google and Anthropic now, with internal integrations underway for their AI models. ChatGPT is currently the model available to users, but the updates will allow users to choose from AI model providers that opt in by adding support through their App Store apps.

Once a compatible AI app is installed, users will be able to set it as their preferred AI through the Settings app.

Apple plans to offer more AI flexibility with iOS 27, including the ability to choose different Siri voices for different AI models. Siri responses from one of Apple's AI models could have one voice, while an instance of Siri running on ChatGPT could use another voice, Gurman reported.

The company is planning to allow third-party chatbots to power its AI features in the updates expected this fall.

Tim Cook is soon stepping down as CEO. John Ternus is Apple's incoming top executive.