Apple May Allow Users to Replace Siri with Third-Party AI Assistants

Apple May Allow Users to Replace Siri as Default Voice Assistant

Apple is reportedly considering allowing users to replace Siri as their default voice assistant on Apple devices. This potential shift comes amid challenges in developing a next-generation AI for Siri, while competitors like Google's Gemini have advanced significantly. The move is partly driven by regulatory pressure, particularly from the European Union, which mandates greater user choice in operating systems.

Siri's Current Challenges and Workarounds

Apple has faced well-documented struggles in enhancing Siri with advanced AI capabilities. Competitors have surged ahead, leaving Siri lagging. As a temporary solution, Apple has integrated ChatGPT into its Apple Intelligence stack on iPhones. This allows the OpenAI chatbot to handle queries that Siri cannot answer, after obtaining user permission. Apple is also reportedly in talks to integrate other AI chatbots in a similar capacity.

Potential for Third-Party Assistants

According to a report citing sources familiar with the matter, Apple is working on modifying its operating systems to enable users to switch from Siri to third-party voice assistants. This would be a significant departure from Apple's strategy, as Siri was a key innovation for the company. However, the lack of a competitive edge and increasing regulatory scrutiny may force Apple's hand.

Why This Change Matters

Siri's current limitations are evident when it fails to answer complex questions, such as "Who won the best Oscar for direction in 2023?" or "What principle is best suited for understanding fluid motion in a closed loop?" In such cases, Siri offloads the query to ChatGPT, requiring user consent. The ability for users to fully replace Siri with alternatives like Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, or OpenAI's ChatGPT would signal that Apple is struggling to keep pace in the AI assistant race. This is a position Apple is keen to avoid.

Many users have already migrated to rival chatbots like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity due to Siri's perceived inferiority. Tests with Gemini on an iPhone have shown its superiority in many aspects. The Bloomberg report suggests that users would readily switch away from Siri if given the option, especially if Apple's own AI advancements do not meet expectations.

Apple has already made concessions in the EU, including allowing third-party app stores, external in-app payment options, and the ability to change default messaging and calling apps. Allowing a switch in default voice assistants would be another significant step.

Future of AI at Apple

Apple is actively developing a next-generation Siri, codenamed "LLM Siri," which aims to offer capabilities comparable to modern AI chatbots. However, this overhaul is estimated to be at least a year or two away. To accelerate development, Apple is enlisting users to contribute data for training purposes.

The company is also looking to differentiate its "Apple Intelligence" branding from Siri, allowing new AI-powered features to develop without being overshadowed by the lagging virtual assistant. Potential new features include an AI-assisted battery management tool and a personalized health coach.

Following the issues with Siri, Apple is expected to adopt a more cautious approach to feature announcements, revealing them closer to their official launch. More details about Apple's future AI roadmap are anticipated at the WWDC 2025 conference.

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Author Information

Nadeem Sarwar is a contributor to Digital Trends, covering technology and science. His expertise spans smartphones, AI, and emerging tech. He can be reached via email at nadeem.sarwar@digitaltrends.com or on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter.

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