Apple appears to be finalizing a generative AI strategy centred on user choice rather than exclusive reliance on in-house development. According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to allow users to select from a variety of third-party AI models to power generative tasks within its ecosystem. This new flexibility is slated to debut with the launch of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.
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Internally referred to as Extensions, this new framework allows AI companies to opt in by adding support through their App Store applications. Once installed, these third-party models can be accessed on demand to power various Apple Intelligence features. According to reported text within test versions of the software, these capabilities will integrate directly with:
- Siri
- Writing Tools
- Image Playground
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This move marks a significant departure from Apple’s historical “walled garden” approach, where the company typically maintains strict control over core software features. By offering a lineup of third-party models, Apple is positioning itself as a platform for AI rather than a direct competitor to established chatbot leaders.
The groundwork for this strategy has been laid over several years, most notably through the integration of ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence to handle specific generative tasks. Previous reports earlier this year hinted at this direction, suggesting that Apple’s future AI tools would eventually support multiple model selections. Following a period of high-profile delays and intense scrutiny over its AI progress, this “open-door” policy may be the tactic that allows Apple to remain a central player in the rapidly evolving AI conversation.
