Apple plans to make iOS 27 a Choose Your Own Adventure of AI models

Apple is reportedly preparing to give iPhone users unprecedented control over on-device AI by allowing them to choose from multiple third-party large language models (LLMs) within iOS 27. According to Bloomberg, a new internal feature called 'Extensions' will enable users to access generative AI capabilities from installed apps on demand, across Siri, Writing Tools, Image Playground, and other Apple Intelligence functions. Test versions of the software already show that models from Google and Anthropic are being integrated, with ChatGPT—currently the default—likely remaining an available option. The feature will extend to iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 as well. This move marks a strategic shift for Apple, which has been perceived as trailing in the AI race compared to competitors like Google and Microsoft. Instead of building massive AI infrastructure, Apple is focusing on turning its existing hardware into a platform for third-party AI services, leveraging its vast user base and tight ecosystem integration.

The choice of AI models could have significant implications for developers and enterprise users. With 'Extensions', apps can plug into the user's preferred model dynamically, potentially enabling specialized workflows—e.g., using Anthropic's Claude for long-form reasoning or Google's Gemini for multimodal tasks—all within native iOS features. Incoming CEO John Ternus, set to replace Tim Cook, will oversee this strategy. Apple is not spending heavily on AI training infrastructure but rather on creating a marketplace for AI models, similar to the App Store model. This approach could accelerate adoption of AI on mobile devices while giving Apple control over privacy and user experience. However, questions remain about how Apple will handle model switching latency, cost, and data privacy across third-party providers. The company is still generating substantial AI-related revenue through hardware sales and services, and this flexible AI model selection may further differentiate its ecosystem in an increasingly competitive landscape.