Apple's upcoming iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 updates will allow users to set third-party AI services as the default for Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Siri. This marks a shift from the current iOS 26 setup, where only ChatGPT is available as an alternative to Apple's built-in options. According to Bloomberg, Apple has signed a deal with Google to use a Gemini-based model for Apple Intelligence and Siri in iOS 27, but users will also be able to choose other services like Anthropic's Claude or Google's Gemini as their preferred AI engine.
How it works
The change is enabled by a new feature called "Extensions," which Apple describes in test versions of the software 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." Any AI provider that adds support for Extensions will be available for selection. Users will pick their preferred service in system settings, and that choice will apply across all supported Apple Intelligence features.
Apple also plans to let users assign distinct voices to third-party AI services for Siri. This means Siri will use one voice, while responses from a third-party AI like Gemini or Claude will use a different voice, making it clearer which system is responding.
What this means
Currently, on iOS 26, Apple's partnership with OpenAI makes ChatGPT available as an alternative to Apple's own models for Siri, Writing Tools, and Image Playground. iOS 27 broadens that to include any third-party chatbot that integrates with the Extensions framework. This gives users control over which AI engine handles tasks like text generation, image creation, and voice queries, rather than being locked into a single provider.
Tradeoffs
The flexibility comes with a few practical considerations. Each third-party AI service will likely require its own account and may have separate usage limits or subscription fees. Apple's built-in models remain free and integrated, but third-party options may offer different capabilities—for example, Claude's longer context window or Gemini's multimodal features. Users will need to evaluate which service best fits their workflow.
When to use it
This feature is most useful for users who already subscribe to a specific AI service and want it to work seamlessly across Apple's ecosystem. Developers and power users who rely on Claude for coding or Gemini for research may find the integration more convenient than switching between apps. For casual users, Apple's default models may suffice, but the option to swap is now available.
Bottom line
iOS 27 gives users the ability to choose their preferred AI engine for Apple Intelligence, breaking the current ChatGPT-only default. The Extensions framework opens