Apple to Shatter the Walled Garden with iOS 27 “AI Extensions” and Third-Party Model Swapping

Apple is shifting its generative AI strategy toward openness and optionality by introducing an "Extensions" feature in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 that lets third-party AI models (e.g., from OpenAI or Anthropic) power system features like Siri, writing tools, and image generation. This move positions Apple as a platform and aggregator for external foundation models rather than developing a single in-house model, trading closed vertical control for immediate access to best-in-class AI capabilities and reduced training/inference cost burdens.