Apple Considers Siri Alternatives Access AI Chatbots On iPhone Now
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Sergey Causelove)
Recent reports suggest a significant shift in how iPhone users might interact with voice assistants. Apple is reportedly working on enabling the use of other voice assistants in iOS, a move largely anticipated to comply with European Union regulations. While official changes may take time, you can already integrate AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini with your iPhone's Action Button for quick voice access.
Apple Explores Alternative Voice Assistants for iPhones
According to a new report from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is developing the capability for users to choose alternative voice assistants, including AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, instead of Siri on their iPhones for the first time. This initiative is understood to be a response to expected European Union regulations aimed at fostering greater competition and user choice in digital ecosystems.
Gurman, known for his accurate predictions regarding Apple's plans, cites a person with knowledge of the matter as his source. This potential change could allow users to select assistants like Google Assistant, ChatGPT, or Gemini as their primary voice interaction tool on iPhones.
Siri's Evolution and Apple's AI Focus
It's important to note that Apple is not abandoning Siri. The same report indicates that Apple continues to invest heavily in enhancing Siri through Apple Intelligence. The company has reportedly established offices in Zurich to develop a more conversationally adept and intelligent "LLM Siri" (Large Language Model Siri) for the future. Thus, while Apple may permit third-party voice assistants to comply with regulations, particularly for iPhones sold in the EU, Siri's development remains a priority.
Using AI Chatbots on Your iPhone Today
The ability to use a different default voice assistant might be geographically limited, perhaps only to iPhones within the EU. However, this opens up exciting possibilities for users who prefer other AI services. While Siri can already hand off complex requests to ChatGPT, the current implementation is often described as clunky and not as seamless as a native integration would be.
Fortunately, you don't have to wait for official updates to use AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini with your iPhone. While their dedicated apps are available, a useful technique allows you to summon the voice mode of these AI tools with a simple press of the Action Button (on compatible iPhone models).
Although these AI chatbots, accessed via the Action Button, can't control your phone settings like Siri can, this method provides a quick way to get a feel for what an alternative voice assistant experience might be like. It's particularly handy for quickly asking questions and getting answers without typing.
Step by Step Guide to Action Button AI Setup
If you want to try this now, follow these simple steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Choose Action Button.
- Select Shortcut.
- Scroll down the list of apps and choose either ChatGPT or Gemini.
- From the options that appear, select ‘Start voice conversation’ for ChatGPT or ‘Talk Live with Gemini’ for Gemini.
(It's crucial to select these specific voice mode options and not use the ‘Open App…’ button, as the latter won't provide direct voice access.)
Once set up, a press and hold of the Action Button will launch you directly into a voice chat with your chosen AI chatbot. Many users find this extremely useful for quick voice queries when typing isn't convenient.
Managing Your Siri Preferences
If you wish to reduce Siri activations or turn it off, you can adjust its settings. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Talk & Type to Siri. Here, you can turn off “Hey Siri” and modify the settings for how Siri is activated.
Further Reading on AI Developments
If you're interested in learning more about the evolving world of AI and voice assistants, you might find these articles insightful:
