iOS 26 and the future of on‑device AI – what Hong Kong companies need to know
Apple has spent the last two years laying the foundations for a privacy‑first artificial‑intelligence stack it calls Apple Intelligence. Announced at WWDC 2024 and rolled out in beta with iOS 18, the platform combines small on‑device language models with a secure Private Cloud Compute layer and, when the user agrees, access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT service via Siri and the new system‑wide Writing Tools as reported in AppleTechCrunch. Several flagship features have slipped, but Apple’s leadership reaffirmed in July 2025 that AI remains the company’s top software priority and that a larger upgrade is now targeted for the 2026 cycle (TechRadar.)
Below is an in‑depth look at what that 2025 release, iOS 26, could deliver, why ChatGPT integration still fails to work out‑of‑the‑box in Hong Kong, and how local firms can prepare.
1. Apple’s current AI trajectory
On‑device by default – Apple’s emphasis is speed and privacy. Small generative models run entirely on the A‑ and M‑series Neural Engine, handing off to the cloud only when extra horsepower is essential Apple.
Hybrid approach – When an off‑device call is required, data are stripped of identifiers and routed through Apple‑controlled secure servers so even OpenAI cannot link requests to an Apple ID Apple Support.
Third‑party model roadmap – Apple has already confirmed it will “work with Google Gemini in the future” and is hiring for an internal “answer engine” that looks beyond ChatGPT TechCrunchiThinkDifferent.
Slower than planned – Key Siri upgrades first teased in 2024 are now flagged as “coming next year” or later, prompting rivals to poke fun at the delay Business Insider.
2. What iOS 26 could add
None of Apple’s 2026 features is yet public, but analyst reporting, recent job adverts and the company’s typical cadence allow some educated guesses:
| Area | Likely Addition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Siri 3.0 | App Intents architecture that allows multistep actions in third‑party apps | Reduces reliance on manual shortcuts and automation tools |
| Contextual memory | Long‑term memory so Siri can recall preferences and prior conversations | Provides continuity in AI interactions while keeping data local |
| Multi‑modal generation | Local models for image editing and voice cloning | Faster results and more private processing for creative tasks |
| Neural Engine uplift | New chips (A19/20) expected to exceed 60 TOPS | Supports more powerful on‑device models without needing the cloud |
| Enterprise hooks | Model IDs and AI audit logs via Apple Business Manager | Helps meet ISO 27001 and compliance needs in regulated industries |
These enhancements would give iPhone and iPad a near‑desktop AI tool‑set, provided the cloud element is reachable.
3. The ChatGPT partnership and its limits in Hong Kong
Apple’s deal with OpenAI means that whenever on‑device models fall short, Siri can route the same prompt to ChatGPT 4o. The option appears under Settings ▶ Apple Intelligence & Siri ▶ Extensions on iOS 18.2 and later Apple SupportApple Support.
However, the toggle remains greyed‑out for users whose Apple ID region or IP address is in Hong Kong because OpenAI itself blocks the territory. OpenAI confirmed the restriction in July 2024 when it warned developers that API traffic from “unsupported countries and territories”, including Hong Kong, would be cut off South China Morning Post. Apple’s own support note makes it clear: ChatGPT integration is “only available where the ChatGPT app and service are offered” Apple Support.
Result: even after upgrading to eligible hardware, Hong Kong users see “ChatGPT with Siri is not supported on this Apple Account”, a message frequently reported in Apple’s forums Apple Communities.
4. Practical implications for Hong Kong businesses
Opportunities
On‑device GenAI still functions because it never leaves the handset. Summaries, Genmoji and privacy‑screened notification digests are already live and require no external model.
Private processing is a boon for regulated sectors—financial services, legal, schools—where client data must stay inside Hong Kong’s jurisdiction.
Limitations
Cross‑application reasoning, long‑form drafting and advanced code generation default to ChatGPT. Without a supported endpoint, these calls silently fail.
Staff will look for work‑arounds, often installing VPNs or side‑loading alternative AI apps. That introduces shadow‑IT risk and can breach ISO 27001 controls.
5. Recommended next steps
For organisations using Managed IT Services Hong Kong providers such as PTS Managed Services, we advise:
Baseline today’s devices
Confirm iPhone 15 Pro or newer for key staff who need on‑device AI.
Enrol them in Apple Business Manager and push an MDM profile that disables “ChatGPT with Siri” until compliance guidance is clear.
Update mobile‑device policy
Add an annex covering generative‑AI usage, storage locations and acceptable VPN use.
Reference ISO 27001 IT Support HK clauses A.12.6 and A.13.2 when documenting remote‑service controls.
Pilot alternative LLM gateways
If cloud AI is essential, test Azure OpenAI (available in Hong Kong) or locally hosted models that sit inside your own tenancy.
Evaluate data‑sovereignty mappings to confirm no personal data exit to restricted jurisdictions.
Prepare for iOS 26
Budget for a 2026 refresh cycle that includes A19/20 silicon to unlock forthcoming features.
Schedule user‑acceptance testing early, because VPN and DNS filtering rules may need revision when Apple changes endpoint addresses.
Watch the regulatory space
Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner is considering amendments to PDPO to include AI‑specific clauses. Track consultation papers and bake any new obligations into your compliance roadmap.
6. Key takeaways
iOS 26 is expected to finish what Apple Intelligence started, delivering a new Siri architecture, deeper multi‑modal models and enterprise controls.
Apple’s ChatGPT integration relies on OpenAI infrastructure that is still geoblocked in Hong Kong, so the headline features will remain unavailable unless policy changes.
Organisations should leverage on‑device AI while building a parallel strategy—Azure OpenAI, self‑hosted models or strict VPN governance—for cloud‑based generative tasks.
Early engagement with your Managed IT Services Hong Kong partner will keep devices compliant and position your business to adopt iOS 26 features the moment they are region‑ready.
Keeping one eye on Apple’s roadmap and the other on Hong Kong’s evolving regulatory environment lets you harness the next wave of AI without compromising governance or user experience.