Apple launched ChatGPT integration last December in iOS 18.2, and based on code changes in iOS 26.1 beta 3, it seems the company is getting ready to add more 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 seemingly not a lot else.
However, one change in code reveals bigger updates in the works.
We’ve been expecting additional AI integrations for a while now. Back when iOS 18 was first unveiled in June 2024, Craig Federighi mentioned that Google Gemini support might come later.
So far though, ChatGPT has remained the only third-party option in iOS.
But based on this code change, Apple could be planning to launch new AI integrations soon.
It’s possible we’ll get Google Gemini support or another third-party integration as early as iOS 26.1’s public launch later this month.
More likely though, iOS 26.2 or later are being targeted by Apple.
If Apple does ship new AI integrations in iOS 26.1, those additions could pair nicely with the other Apple Intelligence expansions in the release.
However, since there’s been no opportunity so far to beta test such features, my guess is they won’t arrive until a future software update.
Which third-party AI integrations do you most want to see in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.
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