Apple working on plan to allow AI agent apps on the app store

At a glance:

• Apple is developing a new App Store framework to support AI agent apps and vibe coding apps after blocking updates in March for violating existing rules.
• The company is overhauling Siri in iOS 27 with Google Gemini models, and has held talks with Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent about integration—but these firms are wary of future commission fees.
• Apple will let users choose from multiple chatbots (Anthropic, Google) for Siri and Apple Intelligence, and may unveil more details at WWDC on June 8.

What happened

Apple is actively working on a plan to better support apps that include AI agents and AI coding capabilities in the App Store, according to a report from The Information. The company is designing a system that would maintain its security and privacy standards while enabling new AI-driven features, though specific technical details have not been disclosed.

The move follows Apple's decision in March to block updates for several popular “vibe coding” apps. These apps allow users to build applications and websites with little to no coding experience by leveraging AI agents and natural language prompts. Apple determined that such apps violated existing App Store rules that prohibit executing code that alters an app's own functionality or that of other apps. Vibe coding has surged in popularity, and Apple's current guidelines have not kept pace with the trend.

Apple's challenge with AI agents

AI agents present a similar problem for Apple. These agents can autonomously complete complex actions—such as booking flights or creating mini apps—using tools and capabilities that would not traditionally be allowed under the App Store's rules. Apple wants to incorporate AI agents into the App Store while preventing issues like rogue agents deleting user content or causing other harm.

The company is seeking to strike a balance between enabling innovative software and maintaining the strict security and privacy standards that have defined its platform. The Information notes that Apple has started contacting app developers to explore integrating capabilities like booking flights and sending calendar invites into the new version of Siri and Apple Intelligence.

Siri overhaul and partnerships

As part of these efforts, Apple is giving Siri a major overhaul in iOS 27. The update, expected to make Siri smarter and better able to compete with Claude and ChatGPT, will rely on custom Gemini models from Google. Apple has partnered with Google to power these new Siri capabilities.

Additionally, Apple has held talks with Chinese tech giants Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent about integrating their services into iOS 27's Siri. However, these companies are hesitant to participate because they are concerned about Apple potentially collecting commissions on transactions made through the integration. Apple has told some developers that it does not plan to charge fees during the early stages of the partnership, but has indicated that fees remain a possibility in the future.

Developer concerns and commission fears

The issue of commissions is a significant sticking point. Developers worry that integrating their apps with Siri could provide Apple with new ways to collect its standard 30% cut on in-app purchases or other transactions. The Information reports that some developers are reluctant to work with Apple on Siri integration for this reason. Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent specifically do not want to end up paying fees to Apple, which could complicate the rollout of Siri's expanded capabilities in China.

Multiple chatbots and OpenAI's disappointment

Apple also plans to allow users to select from multiple chatbots to use with Siri, rather than limiting the assistant to OpenAI's ChatGPT. AI models from companies like Anthropic or Google could be used for features such as Image Playground and Writing Tools, similar to how ChatGPT can be used today. It is unclear whether Apple will open up more of iOS to third-party chatbots, but OpenAI has reportedly been disappointed with the current limitations. ChatGPT can generate images and text through the iOS integration, but it cannot access user emails or other personal information. Additionally, customers are rarely using the ChatGPT functionality, according to The Information.

What's next

Apple's new version of Siri is expected to be unveiled at the WWDC keynote on June 8. The company's plans for agency AI apps in the App Store could also be discussed during the same event. The timing suggests that Apple is preparing to make a significant policy shift to accommodate the growing demand for AI-powered apps while preserving its platform's integrity.