Among all the big and small iOS 26 features expected next week, there’s one rumored change that we’re unlikely to hear about from Apple: the ability to replace Siri.That’s because this ‘nuclear option’ is being mandated against Apple’s will, and will be limited in reach—at least for now.Replacing Siri might soon be an option for certain iOS 26 users Recently, in a broad piece covering the state of AI at Apple, we received word on a big change in the works.
Mark Gurman and Drake Bennett write at : This won’t be the first time EU users get access to a new iOS option the rest of the world lacks.In iOS 18.4, for example, Apple enabled setting a default navigation app for your iPhone.This means Google Maps can replace Apple Maps as the default.
But the change is currently only in the EU.Similarly, while iOS 26 is expected to add several new third-party Siri integrations, they will work a lot like last year’s ChatGPT addition.In short, they’ll complement Siri, but won’t be able to replace it.
All indications are that the ability to fully replace Siri in iOS 26 will be limited to the EU.But it’s not entirely impossible for the change to spread to the US and elsewhere.Here’s why it might.
Why Apple might expand assistant choice globally I’m overall skeptical about Apple providing a ‘default assistant’ option for users outside the EU.I don’t think it’s going to happen.But there are several good reasons why it might, including: Regulatory issues Revenue opportunities Rarity of default changes The EU is certainly Apple’s biggest “problem area” when it comes to regulatory issues.
But the tech giant faces similar threats all around the world, including its home base of the US.By enabling iPhone users everywhere to choose their own assistant, Apple could preempt legal action that might force even larger changes the company won’t want to make.There’s also the opportunity of new services revenue.
It’s well known how lucrative Apple’s search deal with Google has been.If Apple opens iOS 26 up to alternative assistants, it could strike deals that would provide ongoing revenue when users choose ChatGPT, Gemini, or some other AI assistant instead of Siri.Finally, there’s the important reality that, among the iPhone’s billions of users, only a small percentage are likely to care enough—and be tech savvy enough—to make the switch away from Siri.
Only Apple knows how many iOS users have switched default apps for mail, messaging, and more.But I’d bet the number is minuscule.After Apple has already worked to make iOS 26 support replacing Siri in the EU, these three reasons to expand that change worldwide might tip the scales in users’ favor.
Do you think Apple will ever let users replace Siri—without government intervention? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessories AirPods Pro 2 (now only $199, down from $249) MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone HomeKit smart plug 4-pack 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.
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