Disable Third-Party AI Extensions in iOS 18

Apple’s iOS 18 integrates third-party artificial intelligence services, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, directly into Siri and system-wide Writing Tools. While Apple requires explicit user confirmation before sending any data to external models, you can completely turn off these integrations if you prefer not to use them. This guide outlines the exact settings toggle required to disable third-party AI extensions entirely on your iPhone.

How to Turn Off Third-Party AI Extensions

To deactivate external AI providers from accessing Siri and Writing Tools, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 18.
2. Scroll down and tap Apple Intelligence & Siri.
3. Locate the extensions section (labeled ChatGPT or any other configured third-party provider).
4. Tap the provider's name to open its dedicated preferences.
5. Toggle the main switch at the top of the screen to the Off position.

Once toggled off, Siri will no longer prompt you to send queries, photos, or documents to third-party models, and the external provider will be removed as an option within Writing Tools.

Completely Restricting AI Extensions via Screen Time

If you want to prevent third-party AI extensions from being re-enabled—useful for parental controls or managed devices—you can block them using Screen Time:

1. Open Settings and tap Screen Time.
2. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and ensure the feature is turned on.
3. Tap Allowed Apps & Features (or Intelligence & Siri depending on your specific iOS version).
4. Locate ChatGPT (or third-party extensions) and toggle the permission to Off.

With this restriction active, third-party AI capabilities are completely disabled and cannot be accessed or reconfigured without the Screen Time passcode.