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Apple to Allow Rival Assistants on iPhones in Japan
18 Nov
Summary
- iPhone side button shortcut will soon launch third-party assistants.
- This feature will initially be available exclusively in Japan.
- Regulatory pressure is pushing Apple to open its core functions.
Apple is preparing to enable third-party voice assistants to be summoned via the iPhone's side button, a function long exclusive to Siri. This new capability is slated for an initial exclusive release in Japan. The update was discovered in code for iOS 26.2 beta and confirmed by Apple, indicating a significant step towards opening its core functionalities.
This strategic change appears to be a response to mounting regulatory pressures worldwide, compelling Apple to permit greater interoperability with third-party services. The Japanese rollout is reportedly tied to a local regulation taking effect in December 2025, with the feature potentially arriving with iOS 26.2 next month.
Similar changes are anticipated for the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act, requiring Apple to ensure interoperability. Once these updates are official, iPhone users in both Japan and the EU are expected to gain the ability to set alternative assistants like Gemini or Alexa as their default.
