Well-known insider Mark Gurman stated in his latest article that Apple will allow users to choose from a range of external AI services in upcoming versions of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 to power various system functions, including text and image editing features. In future updates, users will reportedly be able to select supported AI models through the App Store.

According to Gurman, the feature is internally referred to as “Extensions” in current test versions of the operating systems. Apple reportedly describes the feature within system information as follows: Extensions allow you to invoke generative AI capabilities from installed apps on demand, integrated through Apple Intelligence features such as Siri, Writing Tools, and Image Playground.

Apple is also preparing a dedicated section within the App Store to highlight AI applications compatible with this feature. Reports indicate that the company has already been internally testing models from Google and Anthropic — two major competitors to OpenAI. Apple is currently using Google’s Gemini to rebuild the underlying model powering Siri, while also collaborating with Anthropic to support internal AI infrastructure and product development.

For OpenAI, this shift could mean losing its exclusive position within Apple’s AI ecosystem. The partnership between the two companies initially generated strong market excitement when announced in 2024, but actual usage has reportedly fallen well below expectations over time. At the same time, differences between the two companies regarding hardware strategy have become increasingly apparent. OpenAI is currently developing its own smartphone device and could begin challenging the iPhone ecosystem as early as next year.

Apple is also preparing to introduce third-party AI model selection into the upgraded Siri voice assistant. Users may be able to distinguish between models through different voices — for example, responses generated by Apple’s own AI model could use one voice, while third-party AI responses could use another.

Market Interpretation:

The core AI theme of iOS 27 appears to be twofold: on one hand, Apple is doubling down on becoming the preferred platform for third-party AI services; on the other hand, the company is still striving to make its own AI capabilities at least competitive.