Apple is exploring ways to support apps with AI agents and coding features on the App Store, aiming to maintain its security and privacy standards. Recently, Apple blocked updates for some popular vibe coding apps due to violations of App Store rules against self-altering code. These apps, which allow users to build apps and websites with minimal coding experience, have gained popularity, prompting Apple to adapt its rules.
AI agent apps pose similar challenges, as they can autonomously perform complex tasks that aren’t traditionally supported under current App Store policies. To align with evolving software trends, Apple intends to integrate AI agents into the App Store, addressing issues such as rogue AI agents causing disruptions.
In preparation for future AI apps, Apple is also enhancing its own AI capabilities, with a significant update to Siri expected in iOS 27. This update will make Siri more competitive with AI models like Claude and ChatGPT, using custom Gemini models through a partnership with Google.
Apple has begun reaching out to app developers to integrate features like flight bookings and calendar invites into the new Siri and Apple Intelligence. However, some developers are cautious about potential future commissions. While Apple assures no initial fees, discussions with companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent indicate concerns over possible charges.
Additionally, Apple plans to offer users a choice of chatbots with Siri, expanding beyond OpenAI’s ChatGPT to include models from companies like Anthropic and Google. This move aims to enhance tools like Image Playground and Writing Tools.
It remains uncertain if Apple will open more of iOS to third-party chatbots, as OpenAI has expressed dissatisfaction with current limitations. Although ChatGPT can generate images and text through iOS, it lacks access to user emails and personal data, and customer usage is reportedly low.
Apple is expected to unveil the new Siri version at the WWDC keynote on June 8, where it may also discuss plans for AI agent apps on the App Store.
