Apple’s walled garden could be about to become even more open, at least for users in the European Union. The company might introduce an option to replace Siri with a third-party voice assistant for iPhone users in the EU very soon.
iOS 26.2 might allow iPhone users in the EU to replace Siri
Apple has just launched the iOS 26.2 beta 3, which appears to include multiple references to a new option that would allow iPhone users to replace the default voice assistant. Code snippets spotted by MacRumors suggest that users will be able to choose which app to activate by long-pressing the Side Button of their iPhone.
Currently, the press-and-hold gesture for the Side Button activates Siri, and there’s no option to switch to a different voice assistant. The language of some code snippets hints that users in some regions will be able to assign a different Default Side Button App. Most likely, the change will be limited to users in the EU.
Another win for the European regulators
iPhone users in the EU may be able to make Google Gemini their default voice assistant soon. | Image credit – PhoneArena
Whenever Apple launches that new feature, it’ll be because of the EU’s Digital Markets Act interoperability rules. According to them, Apple is a gatekeeper, and it has to allow users to easily change the defaults for some core iOS features.
Would you switch your default voice assistant from Siri?
As soon as I get the chance!
20%
No, Siri is good enough for me
40%
Yes, but only if I can use AI-powered assistant
40%
I don’t use voice assistants
0%
The change could mean that EU users will be able to switch to competing voice assistants. An obvious option would be Google’s Gemini, which is rumored to also power the long-awaited Siri overhaul. AI apps like ChatGPT, Claude, or DeepSeek may also be among the available options.
Trouble for Siri
I am confident that the sole reason anyone would use Siri is that they don’t have other choice. Virtually every other voice assistant offers a better performance, and I can’t see a reason for users in the EU not to ditch Siri. I know I would, and it would take Apple a lot of effort to win me back.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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