iOS 27 Code Hints Apple May Let Users Replace Siri AI With Claude or ChatGPT

The discovery follows a 9to5Mac poll from more than a year earlier that asked whether Apple should let users choose their own AI chatbot to replace Siri AI. Two-thirds of respondents said yes, absolutely, and 15 percent more said they would prefer the option, while 6 percent were strongly opposed. At the time, 9to5Mac's author said he expected Apple to be reluctant to do this, raising the company's usual objection that opening the system to third-party apps creates privacy and security risks. The iOS 27 and macOS 27 code, as described by the developer, appears to show Apple preparing to support it anyway.

If the choice is made available globally, 9to5Mac said it would be a win for everyone, including Apple. Users could choose their preferred AI platform, and competition would drive Apple's own pace of improvements to Siri AI, the publication said. Keeping as many Apple users as possible happy would also benefit the iPhone maker.

9to5Mac added that there is a strong possibility the feature will be enabled only within the European Union, where Apple has already had to make a number of similar accommodations. Whether users in the United States and elsewhere will be able to do it remains to be seen. The publication also asked readers whether they would choose a competing AI platform over Siri AI if Apple gives them the choice, and invited comments.

The code evidence does not guarantee a public release. The option cannot yet be activated in the version examined, and the demo only shows what the interface could look like if Apple enables third-party AI assistants.