Apple Partners with Google to Power New Siri with Gemini AI

Apple and Google announced a multi-year deal on Monday to use Google's Gemini AI models to power Siri and other smart features on Apple devices. The partnership comes as Apple works to update its voice assistant, with changes expected on iPhones, iPads, and Macs later this year. This move follows delays in Apple's own AI plans and aims to make Siri better at handling user requests.

Background

Apple first showed off plans for a smarter Siri at its developer conference in June 2024. The company promised a version that could understand personal details, look at what's on the screen, and control apps more deeply. But those features did not arrive as planned with the main iOS update last year.

Instead, Apple pushed back the rollout to focus on a new system for Siri. Company leaders said they needed a stronger setup to deliver what users expect. Now, with this deal, Google steps in to provide the core AI power. Apple had already added OpenAI's ChatGPT as an option for tough questions, but it was not the main engine for Siri.

Google and Apple have worked together before. Google pays Apple billions each year to be the default search on Safari. This new agreement focuses on AI and does not touch search. It also comes after a court ruled Google had a monopoly in search, but sources say this deal avoids those issues since it is not exclusive or tied to search apps.

Apple says it picked Gemini after testing several options. The companies made the news public through a joint statement. They plan to run the AI on Apple devices or its own servers to keep user data private. Google gets no direct access to Apple user information.

Key Details

The updated Siri will launch in stages. Some features could appear as early as spring in a software update called iOS 26.4. Others will wait until later in the year or the next big iOS version.

Reports outline seven main improvements powered by Gemini:

• Siri will answer fact-based questions and world knowledge in a natural conversation.
• It will tell stories in a more engaging way.
• Siri can offer emotional support during talks.
• It will help with tasks like booking travel or reservations.
• Siri can make notes or documents, such as a recipe in the Notes app.
• It will remember past conversations.
• It will give proactive ideas based on calendar or other app data.

Apple showed examples last year, like Siri checking a family member's flight from email or suggesting lunch plans from messages. The new Siri has no Google branding. Apple will adjust Gemini to fit its style.

Rollout Timeline

The first big changes hit devices this spring. Apple plans more announcements at its June developer event. Full personal features, like deep app control, come in fall or next year. This builds on Apple's own work but uses Gemini for the heavy lifting.

"After thorough assessment, Apple concluded that Google's AI technology offers the most proficient foundation for its Foundation Models," the companies said in their joint statement.

Apple keeps control over how data moves. Processing happens on device when possible, or on private clouds. This matches Apple's focus on privacy, even with outside tech.

What This Means

This deal unites AI across iPhones and Android phones. Gemini now runs smart features on both sides, making experiences more similar for users. Apple users get a Siri that acts more like ChatGPT, handling complex asks without switching apps.

For Google, it is a win. Its AI reaches millions more through Apple gear. The company already leads in search payments to Apple, and this adds another layer. OpenAI, which powered some Apple features before, takes a back seat here.

Apple admits it needs help to keep up in AI. The field moves fast, and building everything alone takes time. This lets Apple focus on its strengths like hardware design and user interface while borrowing Google's AI muscle.

Users will notice Siri getting personal. It could pull flight info, suggest meals, or book trips just by asking. Emotional chats or story time add new uses. But it all needs user okay to access data.

The partnership raises questions about competition. A recent court case limits Google's deals, but this one seems clear. It is short-term and open to others. Apple can switch providers later if needed.

Daily life changes too. Imagine telling Siri to plan a trip: it checks your calendar, finds flights, books a table, and adds notes. Or after a bad day, it listens and cheers you up. These tools roll out over months, starting simple.

Apple devices stay locked down. No one else sees your data. Gemini runs behind the scenes, tuned to Apple's voice and rules. This mix of outside power and inside control shapes the next era of phone smarts.

Business watchers see shifts. Google strengthens its spot while Apple avoids falling behind. Smaller AI firms like OpenAI feel pressure as big players team up. Users win with better tools, no matter who built them.