Apple iOS 27 to support third-party AI models including Gemini and Claude through Extensions system

Apple will allow iOS 27 users to select from multiple third-party AI models to power features across Siri, Writing Tools, Image Playground, and other Apple Intelligence capabilities, according to Bloomberg. The system, called "Extensions," represents Apple's strategy to position its devices as a comprehensive AI platform rather than limiting users to proprietary models.

How Extensions works

Users will be able to choose AI models that enable support through their installed App Store apps. For example, Google could add Extensions support to the Gemini app, and Anthropic to the Claude app. Users could then select these models to power native iOS features instead of Apple's own AI system.

In test versions of iOS 27, Apple describes Extensions as allowing users to "access generative AI capabilities from installed apps on demand, through Apple Intelligence features such as Siri, Writing Tools, Image Playground and more."

Multi-voice Siri system

Apple will also let users assign different Siri voices to different AI models. Queries handled by Apple's system could use one voice, while responses from Claude or other third-party models could use another voice. This builds on Apple's existing ChatGPT integration in iOS 18, which currently serves as a fallback for world knowledge queries.

Relationship to existing partnerships

The Extensions system is separate from Apple's existing deal with Google to use Gemini to power native Siri and Apple Intelligence features. According to Bloomberg, Extensions provides an additional layer of choice beyond that partnership.

Apple added ChatGPT integration in iOS 18 for world knowledge queries in Siri and features like Image Playground. The Extensions system expands this approach to multiple providers simultaneously.

Release timeline

Apple plans to introduce iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 this fall. The company will unveil the operating systems at WWDC, which begins June 8, 2026.

What this means

Apple's Extensions approach acknowledges that no single AI model excels at all tasks. By letting users route different queries to specialized models, Apple positions iOS as an AI aggregation layer rather than competing directly on model quality. This could accelerate iOS adoption among users who prefer specific AI providers, while reducing Apple's need to match capabilities across all domains. The move also pressures AI providers to maintain App Store presence and optimize for iOS integration, strengthening Apple's platform control even as it cedes direct AI feature development.