Apple's Siri AI Can Be Swapped Out for Claude, ChatGPT, Code Shows

You can now choose third-party AI models to power Siri's responses and actions, potentially improving performance and functionality beyond Apple's native capabilities.

Code discovered within iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate reveals that Apple has engineered Siri's architecture to integrate with third-party AI models. A mechanism named Model Delegation allows models like Claude to function as Siri extensions, similar to the existing ChatGPT extension. In a demonstration, Claude was used to set a reminder via Siri, with Claude interpreting the request and handing system actions back to Siri. A more advanced protocol within "Model Manager Services" permits the complete replacement of Apple's server-side Siri model with external ones, such as GPT-5.6. In this configuration, ChatGPT can receive Siri's planner prompts and tool definitions, execute system actions, process personal data, and present results through Siri's interface. This development aligns with the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which mandates third-party access to iOS hardware and software features. While the "Ask..." functionality is currently limited to the ChatGPT extension in macOS, Apple has not yet publicly enabled model delegation for third parties.

Apple's strategic move to allow third-party AI model integration into Siri signifies a significant shift towards an open AI ecosystem, potentially driven by regulatory pressures like the EU's Digital Markets Act. By enabling Model Delegation and inference provider protocols, Apple is not just offering superficial integration but allowing deep replacements and extensions of its core AI assistant. This approach suggests a future where users can select their preferred AI for specific tasks, leveraging the strengths of models like Claude and ChatGPT for everything from simple reminders to complex data processing and communication, all managed through Siri's familiar interface.

This interoperability could redefine user expectations for digital assistants, pushing competitors to adopt similar strategies and fostering a more dynamic AI market. It also raises questions about data privacy and security as third-party models gain access to system functions and personal data, even if mediated by Siri. The success of this strategy will depend on Apple's ability to manage these integrations securely and on the willingness of developers to build robust extensions that offer tangible benefits over Siri's native AI capabilities.