Apple iOS 27 to Open Siri to Google Gemini, Claude, and Third-Party AI via New Extensions System (March 2026)

Apple is planning to open Siri to third-party AI assistants including Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude in iOS 27, according to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman published on March 26, 2026. The new system, called Siri Extensions, would allow users to plug any supported AI chatbot directly into Siri — ending OpenAI's effective exclusivity and giving developers a direct integration path into Apple's voice assistant on over 2 billion active devices.

What Happened

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman — who has a strong track record on Apple leaks — reported that Apple has been developing a new "Extensions" framework that lets third-party AI apps integrate with Siri at the OS level. Users with Google Gemini, Anthropic Claude, or other supported AI apps installed would be able to designate one as their preferred AI brain for specific queries, or toggle extensions on/off from within the Apple Intelligence and Siri settings menu.

The system builds on Apple's existing ChatGPT integration, which launched with iOS 18 in 2024 and gave OpenAI a privileged connection to Siri. iOS 27's Extensions model would generalize that same capability to any AI provider — a meaningful shift in how Apple positions itself in the AI platform wars. Apple is expected to formally announce Siri Extensions at WWDC 2026, scheduled for June 8, 2026.

Key Details

• Supported AI apps at launch: Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude confirmed by Bloomberg reporting; OpenAI ChatGPT would continue as an option alongside new entrants
• How to enable: Users download a supported AI app from the App Store, then toggle it on under Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri → Extensions
• Cross-platform: The Extensions system is planned for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 simultaneously
• Business model: Bloomberg notes Apple expects to earn App Store commission revenue from AI subscriptions driven through the Extensions integrations
• Announcement timeline: WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, 2026 — software available to developers in beta that day
• OpenAI status: Loses exclusive assistant position, but retains its Siri integration alongside new competitors

What Developers and Users Are Saying

Developer reaction on Hacker News was largely positive, with threads noting this represents Apple's most significant AI openness since the App Store itself. One commenter wrote: "This is Apple admitting Siri's intelligence layer isn't competitive, and solving the problem architecturally rather than technologically — classic Apple." Others viewed it more cynically, pointing to the 30% App Store cut on AI subscriptions as the real motivation.

On Reddit's r/apple and r/MachineLearning, users expressed relief that they'd be able to use Claude or Gemini through the familiar Siri UI rather than opening separate apps. Tech press headlines ranged from the enthusiastic ("Apple changes course: Siri will integrate all AIs" — MyHostNews) to the skeptical ("Apple Admits AI Defeat?" — IBTimes). Multiple analysis pieces noted this is a rare case where Apple is explicitly acknowledging a competitor's product as superior and building infrastructure around it.

What This Means for Developers

For AI developers building iOS or macOS apps, Siri Extensions represents a major new distribution channel. Any AI assistant app that implements the Extensions API gains direct access to Siri query routing — meaning users can invoke your model by voice without touching your app. This is effectively Apple endorsing your AI model as a Siri brain for anyone who enables it.

Developers will need to implement the Siri Extensions API (expected to be documented in June's WWDC developer sessions) and submit apps for review under Apple's new AI integration guidelines. The timing matters: AI companies that ship Extensions support at iOS 27 launch get first-mover advantage on over a billion active iPhones.

For indie AI developers, this could be transformative — your app no longer needs to compete for attention in a crowded launcher; it can live inside the system assistant that millions of people already trust and use daily.

What's Next

WWDC 2026 on June 8 will be the definitive source for technical documentation, API design, and the full list of supported AI providers at launch. Apple is expected to release iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 developer betas the same day. The public release of iOS 27 typically follows in September at Apple's annual hardware event. Developers interested in early access can register at developer.apple.com and watch the WWDC sessions live.

Sources

• MacRumors — Apple Plans to Let Rival AI Chatbots Integrate With Siri in iOS 27 — primary Bloomberg report coverage
• 9to5Mac — iOS 27: Apple will reportedly let Claude and other AI chatbot apps integrate with Siri
• Tom's Guide — Beyond ChatGPT: iOS 27 Extensions will reportedly allow Siri to use Google Gemini and Claude
• Business Standard — With iOS 27, Apple may open Siri to Gemini, Claude, more: How will it work
• AppleInsider — Siri could support third-party AI tools in iOS 27 as Apple expands access
• MacDailyNews — Apple to open up Siri to third-party AI chatbots in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27