According to ExtremeTech, Apple’s iOS 26.2 beta 3 shows code allowing users to set third-party voice assistants like Google Gemini or Amazon Alexa as the default instead of Siri. The feature currently only works for Japanese Apple accounts due to Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act taking effect this December. References in the code like “Select Another Default Side Button App” confirm the planned functionality. If testing goes well, the European Union could get similar access under its Digital Markets Act requirements. This marks the first time Apple has allowed bypassing Siri for side button long presses, though availability remains extremely limited geographically.
The Real Reason Behind Apple’s Change
Here’s the thing – Apple isn’t doing this out of the goodness of its heart. This is pure regulatory compliance. Japan’s new law specifically requires platform operators to give third-party apps equal access to core system functions. Sound familiar? It’s basically the same playbook as Europe’s DMA, just happening sooner in Japan. The timing is interesting too – December enforcement means Apple is getting ahead of the deadline with this beta testing.
What This Actually Means for Your iPhone
So how would this work in practice? Basically, when you long-press that side button, instead of Siri popping up instantly, your chosen assistant like Gemini or Alexa would respond. But there are some serious technical hurdles here. Voice assistants need deep system integration to work properly – access to contacts, calendar, messages, you name it. Apple’s going to have to create some serious APIs to make this secure and functional. And let’s be honest, they’re probably not thrilled about giving competitors that level of access.
The Bigger Battle Over Defaults
This isn’t just about voice assistants. It’s part of a much larger fight over who controls the smartphone experience. Regulators worldwide are pushing back against Apple’s walled garden approach. First it was alternative app stores, now it’s default apps. What’s next? Default messaging apps? Default browsers are already changeable, but voice assistants represent a much deeper level of system control. This could fundamentally change how we interact with our iPhones if it expands beyond Japan and Europe.
Meanwhile, Apple’s Still Betting on Siri
Here’s the ironic part – while Apple is being forced to open up to competitors, they’re also planning to power Siri with Google’s Gemini. After the OpenAI partnership, now they’re turning to Google? It feels like Apple’s throwing everything at the wall to make Siri competitive. They’re working on their own LLM too, but basically admitting they need help in the short term. Makes you wonder – if Siri was truly great, would regulators even be forcing this change?
