Apple is considering a major policy shift that could reshape how we use our iPhones.
Currently, the iPhone operates with a single, central assistant: Siri. But Apple is now exploring ways to allow third-party 'AI agents'—like ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, or Claude—to operate on its platform through the App Store. This would transform the iPhone from a single-assistant device into a dynamic ecosystem where multiple specialized AI agents can perform complex tasks across different apps on your behalf. Imagine telling an AI to plan a trip, and it automatically books flights, reserves a hotel, and adds it all to your calendar. That's the future this change could unlock.
So, why is Apple considering this now? There are three main drivers. First is competitive pressure. Google is aggressively marketing its Gemini AI as a '24/7 agent' that can plan your life. If Apple doesn't offer similar capabilities, the iPhone could risk falling behind Android, which might become the go-to operating system for advanced AI.
Second, there's significant regulatory pressure. Both the European Union, with its Digital Markets Act (DMA), and the U.S. Department of Justice are pushing Apple to open up its famously closed ecosystem. They argue that Apple's control stifles innovation. By allowing other AI agents onto the iPhone and giving users a choice, Apple could demonstrate a commitment to openness and potentially soften регуляторы' criticism.
Finally, Apple has already built the technical foundation to make this happen safely. Technologies like 'Private Cloud Compute' and 'App Intents' create a secure sandbox. This allows third-party agents to perform tasks without accessing sensitive user data directly. It’s the key to balancing powerful new features with Apple's long-standing commitment to user privacy and security. This move isn't a sudden reaction but a calculated step, with a potential official announcement coming at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2026.
- AI Agent: An AI program that can understand a goal, make a plan, and take actions across different applications to achieve it, acting like a personal assistant.
- Digital Markets Act (DMA): An EU regulation designed to make the digital economy fairer and more competitive by preventing large tech companies from abusing their market power.
- Private Cloud Compute: An Apple security architecture that processes sensitive AI tasks on secure servers, ensuring that Apple cannot access user data.