**Siri Replacement Could Soon Be Available for Some iOS 26 Users**
Among the various features anticipated in iOS 26 next week, there is one rumored modification that Apple is unlikely to announce: the option to replace Siri. This ‘nuclear option’ is being implemented against Apple’s preference and will currently have a limited scope—at least for the time being.
Recently, a comprehensive article discussing the status of AI at Apple reported that to comply with projected European Union regulations, the company is now working on altering its operating systems so that, for the first time, users can switch from Siri as their primary voice assistant to third-party alternatives. This modification is notable as it signifies a shift in Apple’s stance on voice assistants, primarily driven by regulatory demands.
This won’t mark the first instance where EU users gain access to a new iOS feature that is unavailable to the rest of the world. For example, in iOS 18.4, Apple permitted the selection of a default navigation application for iPhones, enabling Google Maps to serve as the default instead of Apple Maps, but this option was limited to the EU.
Likewise, although iOS 26 is set to introduce various new third-party Siri integrations, these will augment Siri rather than replace it. All signals indicate that the capacity to fully replace Siri in iOS 26 will be restricted to the EU.
**Reasons Apple Might Broaden Assistant Options Globally**
While there is doubt about Apple providing a ‘default assistant’ feature for users outside the EU, several persuasive factors could encourage such a decision:
1. **Regulatory Challenges**: The EU stands as Apple’s largest “trouble area” concerning regulatory issues, but similar concerns exist worldwide, including in the US. By enabling users to select their own assistant, Apple could anticipate legal challenges that might necessitate more substantial adjustments.
2. **Revenue Potential**: Apple maintains a lucrative search agreement with Google, and by allowing iOS 26 to accommodate alternative assistants, it could forge new agreements that yield continuous revenue when users opt for assistants like ChatGPT or Gemini over Siri.
3. **Scarcity of Default Modifications**: Among billions of iPhone users, only a minor fraction is likely to prioritize switching from Siri. Apple has already made advancements to facilitate Siri replacement in the EU, and these factors might motivate a global rollout of this functionality.
In summary, while the ability to replace Siri may initially be restricted to EU users due to regulatory mandates, the possibility for worldwide expansion exists based on regulatory pressures, revenue opportunities, and user tendencies. Whether Apple will permit users to replace Siri without governmental involvement remains uncertain.
