Apple Considers Third-Party AI Models for Siri Amidst Competitive Pressure

In a significant shift in strategy, Apple Inc. is reportedly contemplating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) models from external companies such as Anthropic and OpenAI for its Siri voice assistant. This decision comes in the wake of the company acknowledging its shortcomings in developing in-house AI capabilities. According to a report by Mark Gurman in Bloomberg dated July 1, 2025, Apple is exploring the use of these third-party models to enhance Siri's performance, which has been perceived as lagging behind competing AI technologies.

Apple's leadership has undergone changes that have led to a reassessment of its AI strategy. Following the transition of control over Siri from John Giannandrea, the former AI chief, to software head Craig Federighi and Vision Pro lead Mike Rockwell, the company initiated discussions with Anthropic and OpenAI. This realignment is reportedly a response to internal evaluations that indicated the potential superiority of external models compared to Apple's proprietary technology.

Anthropic, founded in 2021, has developed the Claude family of large language models, designed to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. The company has attracted significant investment, including $8 billion from Amazon, which values Anthropic at approximately $61.5 billion following its Series E funding round in March 2025. The integration of such advanced AI technology could potentially transform Siri into a more robust competitor in the voice assistant market.

Currently, Siri relies on Apple’s proprietary AI models, with plans for a significant upgrade expected by 2026. However, the integration of third-party AI could expedite improvements. Internal testing has reportedly favored Anthropic's Claude as the most compatible option for Apple’s infrastructure, prompting further negotiations between the two entities. Apple's VP of Corporate Development, Adrian Perica, has been pivotal in initiating these discussions, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing Siri's capabilities.

Despite Apple's previous bold commitments to AI advancements, the company has recently adopted a more cautious strategy, aligning with broader trends in the tech industry. Other major players, such as Samsung, are also diversifying their AI partnerships. Samsung is nearing a collaboration with Perplexity AI, which may lead to the integration of its technology into future Galaxy devices, including enhancements for Bixby, Samsung's voice assistant.

This shift indicates a growing trend among technology companies to explore multiple AI partnerships rather than relying solely on one provider. Apple's recognition of its current limitations in AI development underscores the competitive pressures within the industry, compelling the company to seek innovative solutions to maintain its market position.

In conclusion, Apple's potential pivot toward utilizing third-party AI technologies reflects a significant strategic realignment aimed at reinvigorating Siri's competitiveness. As the AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the outcomes of these discussions could have lasting implications not only for Apple but also for the voice assistant market as a whole. The tech giant’s ability to adapt to this competitive environment will be crucial in determining its future success and relevance in the AI domain.