iOS 27 will give users a new way to integrate with third-party AI platforms, according to a new report. This will let iPhone users choose from multiple third-party models from companies like Google and Anthropic, including the ability to set custom voices in Siri depending on which external model is responding.

iOS 27 integration with AI apps

According to Blomberg, Apple is referring to this new capability as “Extensions” as part of iOS 27. In test versions of iOS 27, Apple explains that Extensions “allow you to access generative AI capabilities from installed apps on demand, through Apple Intelligence features such as Siri, Writing Tools, Image Playground and more.”

The report explains:

Apple Inc. will let users choose from a range of outside artificial intelligence services to power features across its software, building on a strategy to turn its devices into a comprehensive AI platform.

Users will be able to select from multiple third-party AI models for tasks like generating and editing text and images, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The change is slated 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 Extensions system to the Gemini and Claude apps, respectively. Then, users could choose to use those models to power features like Siri, Writing Tools, and more.

This is in addition to Apple’s deal 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 will 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 as part of iOS 18, using it as a fallback for world knowledge queries in Siri. ChatGPT is also accessible via things like Image Playground.

Speaking of Siri, today’s report also says that iOS 27 will let users choose different voices for each AI model:

Another enhancement will let users 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.

Source: 9to5mac