Apple is reportedly in discussions with OpenAI and Anthropic to potentially integrate their AI models—ChatGPT and Claude, respectively—into a future version of Siri, according to a recent Bloomberg report. The Cupertino-based tech company is evaluating whether third-party large language models could outperform its in-house AI, called Apple Foundation Models, in enhancing Siri’s capabilities. This exploration marks a shift in Apple’s strategy as it considers moving beyond fully proprietary AI solutions.
While Apple has been developing an updated version of Siri based on its own models, initially targeting a 2026 release, the idea of using external AI gained momentum after a leadership shakeup. Siri development was reassigned to Mike Rockwell, Apple’s Head of AI Hardware, and Craig Federighi, Senior VP of Software Engineering, sidelining John Giannandrea, the previous head of Siri. This move came after delays in Apple Intelligence and Siri features.
Once in charge, Rockwell directed his team to evaluate how Siri handled queries using Apple’s AI models compared to external systems like Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini. According to Bloomberg, internal testing led Rockwell and other executives to conclude that Anthropic’s Claude model showed the most potential for Siri’s use cases.
Following this assessment, Adrian Perica, Apple’s Vice President of Corporate Development, began formal talks with Anthropic to explore integrating Claude into Siri. Discussions also included the option to run custom versions of Claude or ChatGPT on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, the same infrastructure currently used to support its advanced in-house models.
However, negotiations with Anthropic have reportedly hit a roadblock over financial terms. The AI firm is said to be demanding multibillion-dollar annual fees that would increase significantly each year. These initial disagreements could push Apple toward finalizing a deal with OpenAI or exploring other partners if negotiations with Anthropic stall.
While Apple has yet to finalize any partnership, the company’s openness to third-party AI reflects its increased urgency to deliver a more competitive, intelligent Siri as the AI race intensifies among tech giants.
