Substantial code references found in the latest iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate betas reveal that Siri AI is already set up to let users replace it with alternatives.
The same developer who found watchOS code for the then-unannounced Readiness app has now found that Apple has prepared Siri AI to be almost completely replaced. Frequent leaker "pdfu" has shown not only code references, but also demonstrated using Claude in place of Siri AI.
While not officially available yet, this is similar to how iOS and macOS can already use ChatGPT as an extension to Siri. Since 2024, if Siri couldn't answer a query, users could let it be passed to ChatGPT.
It was previously reported that there would be other such extensions, but while this new discovery includes Claude as well as ChatGPT, it is a more extensive option. When enabled, Claude or ChatGPT appear in Siri's "Ask..." menu, for instance.
According to "pdfu," these as-yet private hooks use the Model Delegation API in App Intents. When done this way, responses are shown prefixed with the word "Claude," but otherwise looking exactly like the new Siri AI interface.
Reportedly, if a request requires interaction with iOS or macOS, such as setting alarms, Claude relays that to Siri AI to complete it.
That means Siri AI remains the AI model that has access to users' personal data. But it also means that users could take advantage where an alternative such as Claude is better able to perform a given task.
Consequently, if a user has to elect to use Claude and knows that is what is being used, then this is potentially a good way to extend the functionality of AI on Macs and iPhones.
There is a second part to this, however, which appears to show that Siri AI could be entirely replaced by ChatGPT. It can be made the default for all AI requests, but more than that, does not use Siri for its responses, and can access system functions.
Both of the demonstrations shown appear to be running on a Mac. OpenAI recently added the ability for ChatGPT to control Messages on a Mac, but Apple's security prevents it doing the same on an iPhone.
However, these code references and demonstrations are Apple's own work. They appear to be fully functional, just hidden from regular users for now.
It's hard to see Apple approving OpenAI having this level of access without Siri AI guardrails. But then even if Apple does let ChatGPT in, there is no reason to use it, and every reason to distrust it.
