Apple's iOS 27 Will Let You Choose Any AI Chatbot for Siri: The Birth of an AI App Store

The Announcement

Apple's iOS 27 update will introduce a feature called "Extensions" that allows users to choose which AI chatbot powers Siri — not just OpenAI's ChatGPT, but potentially Google Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, and any other third-party chatbot from the App Store. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the extensions will have a dedicated App Store section, effectively creating an AI App Store.

How It Works

The Extensions System

• Users can enable or disable chatbots they want connected to Siri
• Works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• Chatbots can fetch replies for Siri on your behalf
• Similar to how Siri already integrates with ChatGPT

The Standalone Siri App

Apple is also reportedly building a standalone Siri app for its AI-upgraded version, capable of taking actions across apps on your behalf.

Google Partnership

• Apple is working with Google to power its overhauled Siri
• Deal includes ability to use Gemini to train smaller AI models
• Several Apple AI setbacks preceded this partnership (including AI chief John Giannandrea's departure)

Timeline

• WWDC 2026: June 8th — expected reveal of iOS 27 and new operating systems
• Fall 2026: Likely public release

Why This Matters

Apple's AI Strategy Shift

After years of developing Siri in-house with limited success, Apple is effectively admitting its own AI isn't competitive enough and that an open ecosystem is better than a closed, mediocre one.

The AI App Store Concept

• Developer opportunity: New category of Siri-integrated AI apps
• User choice: Pick the best AI for each task
• Quality competition: AI providers compete on Siri integration quality
• Revenue sharing: Apple takes its 30% cut from AI app subscriptions?

Source: The Verge, Bloomberg