Key Highlights:
- Apple may allow users to choose third-party AI models in iOS 27.
- The feature could work across Siri, Writing Tools, and Image Playground.
- Google and Anthropic models are reportedly being tested internally.
- The update may also arrive on iPadOS 27 and macOS 27.
Apple’s iOS 27 could introduce one of the biggest changes yet to Apple Intelligence. According to a new Bloomberg report, Apple plans to let users choose which AI models power features on their devices. The move could give iPhone users more flexibility while also opening Apple’s ecosystem to outside AI companies.
The report claims Apple is internally testing a feature called “Extensions.” This system may allow generative AI capabilities from installed apps to work directly with Apple Intelligence tools. That includes Siri, Writing Tools, Image Playground, and other AI-powered experiences inside iOS 27.
What Is Apple Planning With iOS 27?
The biggest shift in iOS 27 appears to be user choice. Instead of relying on one default AI model, Apple may allow people to pick from multiple large language models already installed on their devices.
According to the report, Google and Anthropic models are currently being tested. ChatGPT may also remain available, although Apple has not confirmed that yet. Right now, OpenAI’s ChatGPT powers several Apple Intelligence features through Apple’s existing partnership.
If the feature launches publicly, users may switch between AI models depending on the task. One model could help with writing, while another may perform better in conversations or image generation.
How Could the Feature Work on iPhones?
Apple reportedly wants the AI model selection process to feel native inside iOS 27. Instead of opening separate apps, users may access outside AI tools directly through Apple Intelligence experiences.
That means Siri could potentially pull answers from different AI systems. Writing Tools may also use external models to summarize text, rewrite emails, or generate content. Meanwhile, Image Playground could gain access to different image-generation engines.
The same capability is reportedly planned for iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 as well.
Why Is Apple Expanding Beyond Its Own AI?
Apple continues to face pressure in the AI race. Rivals including Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are moving quickly with new AI products and infrastructure. Apple, however, appears focused on integrating AI into hardware rather than building a massive standalone AI platform.
The report arrives during a leadership transition at Apple. Longtime CEO Tim Cook is reportedly preparing to step down, while John Ternus is expected to play a larger role in shaping the company’s future AI direction.
Instead of competing directly on raw AI scale, Apple may use iOS 27 to position the iPhone as a flexible AI hub. If the feature launches, it could reshape how users interact with Apple Intelligence across devices.
Conclusion
Apple has not officially confirmed the reported iOS 27 AI model feature yet. Still, the leak suggests the company may be preparing a major shift in how AI works on the iPhone. By allowing multiple AI models inside Apple Intelligence, iOS 27 could give users more control over their everyday AI experience.
