Apple Courts Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent for iOS 27 Siri as Future Fees Stir Concern
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · May 13
Apple Courts Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent for iOS 27 Siri as Future Fees Stir Concern
4 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · May 13
Apple is already asking developers to wire apps into its overhauled Siri ahead of a June 8 unveiling, but some partners are hesitating over the possibility of future commissions.
In China, Apple has approached Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent, telling some developers no fee will apply at first while also saying it has not ruled out charging later.
The push is tied to Siri features expected in iOS 27 that would let the assistant carry out hundreds of in-app and cross-app actions without opening apps.
That leaves a key uncertainty before WWDC: how Apple plans to fold AI agents and deeper Siri app integration into the App Store without triggering a new fee fight.
Can Apple's AI ambitions succeed if developers worldwide fear a future 'Siri tax' on their applications?
How will Siri's new powers navigate China's strict AI rules and intense US-China tech competition?
Will Apple's 'always-on' AI agent become an indispensable assistant or a new privacy risk for millions of users?