Apple is reportedly considering replacing its own AI models with third-party systems from OpenAI or Anthropic to power a revamped version of Siri, following internal delays and underwhelming performance benchmarks.
At a Glance
- Apple is testing Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT to potentially power Siri.
- Internal AI models failed to meet quality benchmarks ahead of WWDC 2025.
- Vision Pro chief Mike Rockwell has taken control of Siri’s AI roadmap.
- Apple stock rose following reports of the AI shift.
- Final integration decisions are pending performance and privacy reviews.
Siri’s Intelligence Crisis and the Outside Fix
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is now conducting trials with both Anthropic and OpenAI models to potentially power Siri’s next iteration. The internal “Apple Intelligence” project, originally scheduled to debut in fall 2024, was delayed after top executives—particularly Tim Cook—expressed disappointment with its quality.
Marketing chief Greg Joswiak confirmed the postponement at WWDC 2025, stating the AI was not yet “good enough.” In response, Apple appointed Vision Pro lead Mike Rockwell to head AI integration, replacing John Giannandrea.
Watch a report: Apple May Use Outside AI to Power Siri in Major Reversal
Market Shock and Strategic U-Turn
Apple’s historical refusal to rely on outside technologies is well known. But this pivot signals a sharp departure from that ethos, as the company seeks to rapidly close the gap with AI-enabled rivals like Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot.
Despite Apple’s focus on privacy, the third-party models would be hosted on Apple’s private cloud to ensure encrypted, secure interactions—according to reports by PYMNTS.
Markets responded positively, with Apple stock rising nearly 3% on the day of the leak.
What Comes Next: Siri’s Crossroads
Apple has not finalized any contracts with OpenAI or Anthropic. Current testing will determine which model—if any—delivers the necessary balance of performance, reliability, and data control. A final integration could arrive as early as 2026, though internal development of Apple’s proprietary “Apple Intelligence” tools continues in parallel.
While the AI landscape grows increasingly competitive, Apple’s willingness to license LLMs from rivals signals a profound strategic rethinking—one that may redefine how the world’s most valuable company engages with artificial intelligence.
