Apple is reportedly exploring partnerships with leading artificial intelligence (AI) firms Anthropic and OpenAI to revitalize its voice assistant, Siri. This strategic shift indicates a potential departure from Apple’s traditional reliance on in-house AI development, aiming to integrate advanced large language models (LLMs) into Siri’s framework.
Background and Current Challenges
Since its debut in 2011, Siri has been a pioneer in voice-activated assistance. However, in recent years, it has faced criticism for lagging behind competitors like Google’s Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa in terms of functionality and user experience. Despite efforts to enhance Siri’s capabilities, including the development of proprietary AI models known as Apple Foundation Models, progress has been slow. Internal challenges have led to delays, with significant AI improvements to Siri postponed until at least 2026. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/apple-weighs-using-anthropic-or-openai-power-siri-major-reversal-bloomberg-news-2025-06-30/?utm_source=openai))
Potential Partnerships with Anthropic and OpenAI
To address these challenges, Apple has initiated discussions with Anthropic and OpenAI, two prominent players in the AI industry. The focus is on integrating their LLMs—Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT—into Siri’s infrastructure. This collaboration could provide Siri with enhanced conversational abilities and a more nuanced understanding of user queries. Apple has reportedly requested these companies to develop customized versions of their models that can operate on Apple’s private cloud infrastructure, ensuring user privacy and data security. ([straitstimes.com](https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/apple-weighs-using-anthropic-or-openai-to-power-siri-in-major-reversal?utm_source=openai))
Strategic Implications
Embracing external AI models marks a significant strategic shift for Apple, which has traditionally prioritized in-house development to maintain control over its technology stack. This move suggests a recognition of the rapid advancements in AI by external entities and a willingness to adapt to maintain a competitive edge. By potentially integrating third-party AI, Apple aims to offer Siri features comparable to, or exceeding, those of its rivals, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and engagement. ([straitstimes.com](https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/apple-weighs-using-anthropic-or-openai-to-power-siri-in-major-reversal?utm_source=openai))
Internal Dynamics and Industry Context
The consideration of external partnerships has reportedly caused internal friction within Apple’s AI teams. Some employees perceive this as a lack of confidence in the company’s internal capabilities, leading to departures and concerns about talent retention. This internal unrest occurs amidst a broader industry trend where tech giants are vying for dominance in the AI space, often through collaborations and investments. For instance, Microsoft has deepened its partnership with OpenAI, while Amazon has integrated Anthropic’s Claude into its Alexa platform. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/foundation-models-apple-anthropic?utm_source=openai))
Privacy Considerations
Apple’s commitment to user privacy remains a cornerstone of its brand identity. By running third-party AI models on its own servers, Apple aims to ensure that user data is processed securely within its ecosystem. This approach seeks to balance the benefits of advanced AI capabilities with the company’s stringent privacy standards, addressing potential concerns about data security and user trust. ([medium.com](https://medium.com/%40ben_pouladian/apple-wants-to-use-anthropic-or-openai-to-power-siri-baa3e4a8bc86?utm_source=openai))
Future Outlook
As of now, Apple’s discussions with Anthropic and OpenAI are in preliminary stages, with no definitive agreements announced. The outcome of these negotiations will likely have significant implications for Siri’s evolution and Apple’s position in the AI landscape. By potentially integrating cutting-edge AI models from leading external providers, Apple aims to rejuvenate Siri, offering users a more responsive and intelligent voice assistant experience.
