Amid AI Struggles, Apple May Hand Over Siri to OpenAI or Anthropic
Amid mounting challenges in artificial intelligence, Apple is reportedly considering partnerships with leading AI firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic to enhance Siri’s capabilities. This strategic move could signal a significant shift in Apple’s approach to digital assistants.
Tl;dr
- Apple considers external AI models for Siri upgrade.
- Leadership changes mark Apple’s internal AI strategy shift.
- Major Siri improvements delayed until at least 2026.
Apple Rethinks Its AI Path: External Models on the Table
Recent reports suggest that Apple‘s ambitions in artificial intelligence may be veering off their familiar path. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the tech giant is exploring the integration of third-party AI models from companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. The goal? To enhance the capabilities of its digital assistant, Siri. This move has raised eyebrows throughout the industry, hinting at a possible departure from Apple’s long-standing tradition of relying solely on in-house technology.
Siri Upgrades Delayed: The Hybrid Approach Under Consideration
At the most recent WWDC event, anticipation was high for an upgraded Siri—one that would better understand personal context and perform actions across apps. However, those enhancements are now postponed until at least 2026. Insiders attribute the delay to a pivotal choice: should Apple double down on its proprietary Apple Foundation Models, or embrace solutions designed by outside innovators such as OpenAI? While elements of Apple Intelligence already draw on ChatGPT technology, handing over Siri’s core engine would represent a notable break from established practice.
A Changing of the Guard: New Faces Lead Apple’s AI Initiatives
This strategic crossroads coincides with significant internal reshuffling. Leadership over Apple’s AI teams has shifted from John Giannandrea to Craig Federighi, previously renowned for steering software engineering efforts. Meanwhile, stewardship of the Siri project itself now rests with Mike Rockwell, best known for his role in developing Vision Pro. These appointments signal not just a change in personnel but perhaps a broader evolution in how Apple approaches its AI ambitions.
A Glimpse at Competitors—and What’s Next for Users?
Industry observers can’t help but compare Apple’s evolving stance to that of Samsung. Their Galaxy AI deftly combines proprietary software with Google’s Gemini technology—a strategy that appears to inspire Cupertino’s current deliberations. It’s worth noting that should Apple temporarily opt for external partners, a future return to an entirely homegrown solution remains plausible; after all, the tumultuous early years of Apple Maps proved that internal development sometimes follows a winding road.
For now, users will see only incremental improvements when iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 roll out this autumn. Minor updates tied to AI will become available, but a truly reinvented Siri—powered by generative artificial intelligence—remains some distance away.