Apple Intelligence in iOS 26: A Sneak Peek at Apple’s Hidden Chatbot Experience

Exploring Apple

Apple’s approach to artificial intelligence has often been more reserved compared to competitors like OpenAI or Google. However, with the arrival of iOS 26, Apple is stepping closer to the conversational AI space — just not in the most obvious way. Instead of releasing a dedicated chatbot interface, Apple has chosen to integrate a powerful, chatbot-like experience through its Shortcuts app. This new capability lets users interact with large language models (LLMs), including Apple’s own on-device AI and even ChatGPT, using a system that mimics chatbot behavior. Let’s break down how it works and what it might mean for the future of Apple Intelligence.

the New Apple Intelligence Shortcut Feature 📲

Apple Intelligence, although lacking a dedicated chatbot UI, has introduced a clever workaround via the Shortcuts app in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The feature revolves around a new action in Shortcuts called “Use Model”, giving users access to three different LLM sources:

On-Device Model (for privacy-focused tasks)

Cloud Model (for broader, internet-enabled results)

ChatGPT (for direct OpenAI model usage)

A standout addition is the “Follow Up” toggle, enabling multi-turn conversations — a key component of any chatbot experience.

When users create a shortcut, they simply input a Text action (for the query), followed by the “Use Model” action. From there, they can customize which model they want to use, including follow-up capabilities. The results are presented in a friendly, conversational tone — very much like responses from ChatGPT.

During testing, Apple Intelligence proved useful in everyday scenarios, such as finding local coffee shops in Manhattan or inquiring about seasonal drink options. It performed well, especially when using the Cloud model. Siri, by contrast, still defers to external services like ChatGPT rather than processing the answers itself.

Despite its usefulness, the feature isn’t meant to be a full-time chatbot replacement. It lacks the intuitive interface and expansive knowledge base found in established tools. However, it marks a significant step forward, being Apple’s first native LLM experience that feels like a chatbot, albeit hidden behind the automation-heavy Shortcuts app.

What Undercode Say: Analytical Insights on Apple’s AI Strategy 🔍

Apple’s Cautious Yet Clever AI Deployment

Apple’s strategy here is telling — the company is continuing its tradition of prioritizing user control and privacy. Rather than launching a bold, standalone AI chatbot, Apple is softly embedding intelligence into its systems via user-initiated automations. This allows them to maintain their user-first ecosystem while quietly building LLM capability into the core OS.

Why Shortcuts and Not Siri?

Apple seems to be deliberately keeping its AI experimentation away from Siri, which is still regarded by many as outdated. By hiding this chatbot functionality in Shortcuts, Apple can experiment freely without damaging Siri’s already fragile reputation. This also allows power users to test features while Apple fine-tunes the model’s performance.

The “Use Model” Action is More Than a Toy

While it might seem like a niche feature, the “Use Model” action could become a gateway to broader AI interactions within iOS. Imagine third-party developers creating voice workflows powered by Apple Intelligence or integrating these LLMs into apps without needing user input for every response.

ChatGPT in Apple’s Ecosystem: A Gateway or a Crutch?

The fact that Apple lets users toggle between its in-house models and OpenAI’s ChatGPT shows that it acknowledges its current limitations. This dual approach offers a stopgap until Apple’s models catch up in performance and usability.

Limitations and User Experience

The experience isn’t seamless.

Strategic Implications

This move keeps Apple competitive in the AI race while still aligning with its values — user privacy, device integration, and ecosystem coherence. It hints at a long-term plan: train users on automation-based AI now, then roll out something more user-friendly later once the system proves reliable.

✅ Fact Checker Results

Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 does not have a standalone chatbot mode.
The Shortcuts app now supports LLM-powered responses through a new “Use Model” action.
Follow-up interaction is enabled, mimicking chatbot behavior — but it’s not yet a direct competitor to ChatGPT or Gemini.

🔮 Prediction: Apple’s Quiet Revolution in AI Will Grow Louder

Apple is clearly laying the groundwork for a more integrated and intelligent assistant — possibly a full Apple Intelligence chatbot — in future iOS releases. Expect deeper AI presence in stock apps, voice interactions beyond Siri, and an eventual phasing in of real-time, conversation-based intelligence. The current setup is just the start, a sandbox for early adopters. Within 1–2 iOS cycles, we may see Apple Intelligence fully emerge as a viable ChatGPT competitor — tightly woven into Apple’s ecosystem and built around user trust and on-device processing.

References:

Reported By: 9to5mac.com
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.linkedin.com
Wikipedia
OpenAi & Undercode AI

Image Source:

Unsplash
Undercode AI DI v2

Join Our Cyber World:

💬 Whatsapp | 💬 Telegram