Apple launched the ChatGPT integration last December in iOS 18.2, and based on code changes in iOS 26.1 beta 3, it appears the company is preparing to add new third-party AI integrations soon.
Code change in iOS 26.1 shows Apple preparing for new AI integrations
Today, Apple released iOS 26.1 beta 3, with a new Apple TV app icon, but apparently not much else.
However, a change in the code reveals larger updates in the works.
Aaron Perris posted on X:
We’ve been waiting for additional AI integrations for some time now. Back when iOS 18 was first revealed in June 2024, Craig Federighi mentioned that Google Gemini support could come later.
Until now, ChatGPT has remained the only third-party option on iOS.
But based on this code change, Apple might consider launching new AI integrations soon.
It’s possible we’ll get support for Google Gemini or another third-party integration as soon as iOS 26.1 publicly launches later this month.
It is more likely that iOS 26.2 or later is targeted by Apple.
If Apple offers new AI integrations in iOS 26.1, these additions could pair well with the release’s other Apple Intelligence extensions.
However, since there hasn’t been an opportunity to beta test such features so far, I assume they won’t arrive until a future software update.
What third-party AI integrations do you most want to see in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.
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