Apple’s next major upgrade to Siri could be powered, at least in part, by Google’s Gemini AI. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is testing a version of its voice assistant that “leans on Google’s Gemini model,” bringing advanced capabilities such as AI-driven web search and contextual responses.
Expanding Apple Intelligence Beyond ChatGPT
The move aligns with recent comments from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who told CNBC that the company plans to broaden its Apple Intelligence ecosystem through partnerships with multiple third-party AI providers — going beyond its existing collaboration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
This signals a notable shift in Apple’s AI strategy, suggesting that rather than relying solely on in-house models, the company aims to blend external AI technologies with its privacy-focused infrastructure.
Two Versions, One Goal: Smarter Siri
Bloomberg’s report reveals that Apple is developing two separate versions of the new Siri: one powered by its own on-device AI models and another that integrates Google’s Gemini via Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system. The internal model, despite more than a year of development, reportedly hasn’t yet matched Apple’s performance targets.
The company has been under mounting pressure to strengthen its AI offerings, especially as rivals like Google and Samsung continue to integrate generative AI deeply into their products.
At the WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence — an on-device AI suite that includes features such as Genmoji, AI-assisted writing, and ChatGPT integration. However, the centerpiece — a redesigned Siri capable of understanding context, processing on-screen content, and performing complex in-app actions — was delayed.
Delayed but Refined
Originally expected to roll out during the iOS 18 cycle, likely with updates like iOS 18.4 or 18.5, the revamped Siri was postponed as Apple chose to rebuild key systems to ensure reliability and consistency. Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi later acknowledged that the team needed more time to meet Apple’s quality standards before releasing the upgrade.
Why Gemini Could Be Key
Google’s Gemini already supports powerful assistant features on Android, including contextual understanding, multitasking, and integration with popular apps like WhatsApp and Spotify. Partnering with Google could help Apple bridge some of the capability gaps in its own AI infrastructure — especially for cloud-based operations that require scale and adaptability.
Read More| UPI Transactions Hit Record 20.7 Bn in October, Driven by Festive Spending
Quiet Collaboration
Interestingly, reports from other sources suggest that Apple may not openly highlight its collaboration with Google. Instead, Siri’s Gemini-backed features might operate behind the scenes, while Apple continues to present the assistant as a secure, Apple-managed experience powered through its private servers.
If true, this discreet partnership could mark a pragmatic turn in Apple’s AI journey — one that blends external innovation with Apple’s hallmark emphasis on user privacy and ecosystem control.
