Apple Prepares Overhauled Siri and AI Strategy for iOS 27

Apple is preparing to launch a significantly overhauled version of Siri in iOS 27, transforming the personal assistant into a more capable chatbot and AI agent designed to compete with industry leaders like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini [4]. The update, expected to debut at WWDC 2026 on June 8, introduces a dedicated Siri app and expanded support for third-party AI models across the iPhone operating system [1, 4].

Key takeaways

• Apple will introduce a dedicated Siri app in iOS 27 that allows users to review past conversations, upload documents, and toggle chat history settings [1, 4].
• Users will be able to select from various third-party large language models to power Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground [2, 4].
• The new Siri will utilize an API called App Intents, allowing the assistant to execute tasks within third-party applications without requiring users to open them [3].
• Apple is reportedly developing security measures for "AI agents" in the App Store, which can generate smaller apps on the fly to complete user tasks [3].

Expanding AI Choice and Privacy

The upcoming iOS 27 update marks a shift toward a more flexible AI ecosystem. Apple plans to allow users to choose which third-party AI models power system functions, with models from Google and Anthropic currently undergoing testing [2]. This "Extensions" feature will integrate these models into core Apple Intelligence tools, including Siri and Image Playground [2]. To address privacy concerns, the new Siri app will include settings that allow users to control how long chat logs are saved, with options ranging from 30 days to indefinitely [1]. Unlike some competitors that treat privacy as an optional setting, Apple reportedly maintains that these protections should be ingrained in the software [1].

Developer Relations and Future Challenges

As Apple prepares for the WWDC 2026 keynote, it faces hurdles regarding developer adoption of the new Siri. While the company is courting major developers like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent to integrate their apps via the App Intents API, some are hesitant due to ambiguous commercial terms [3]. Apple has not ruled out charging commissions for Siri integration in the future, leading to concerns among developers about potential new chokepoints in their customer relations [3]. Additionally, the company is working to address the risks associated with AI agents in the App Store, which have shown the potential for unpredictable behavior, such as the accidental deletion of user data [3].

Why it matters

Apple is navigating a transition as it attempts to modernize its AI offerings without compromising its long-standing focus on user privacy. By moving away from relying solely on its own infrastructure and instead positioning its hardware as a hub for various AI models, the company aims to turn its existing devices into an AI-centric experience [2]. The success of these efforts depends on whether Apple can resolve the fee structure for developers and ensure that its new AI agent technology remains secure before the public release of iOS 27 [3].