Apple May Turn to Google’s Gemini AI to Upgrade Siri

Apple is reportedly considering a major upgrade to Siri by using Google’s cutting-edge Gemini AI platform. This comes on the heels of Google’s recent “Made by Google” event, which highlighted the stark contrast between Google’s revamped assistant and Apple’s aging Siri.

It’s no secret that Apple has faced challenges with Siri, and things may soon get worse before they get better.

Google’s Pixel 10 introduces a feature called Magic Cue, which can anticipate and deliver relevant information on-demand, far ahead of anything Siri can currently do. For example, while on a call with an airline, Magic Cue automatically pulls up flight details from Gmail, calendar events, or even screenshots, presenting the user with the reservation number at just the right moment. Siri, on the other hand, won’t have this functionality until iOS 26.4, which won’t be released until next spring.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is in the early stages of discussions with Google to power Siri’s new version using Google’s Gemini AI. According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple has asked Google to develop a custom AI model that could serve as the backbone for an upgraded Siri. These conversations are said to be private, but it’s known that Google is already working on a model that would run on Apple’s servers.

At this point, Apple has not made a final decision on whether to build Siri’s AI internally or seek out a third-party partner. Earlier this year, rumors suggested Apple might acquire the AI startup Perplexity AI, and the company is reportedly weighing the pros and cons of developing the platform in-house versus collaborating with external companies. Apple has already explored talks with Anthropic PBC and OpenAI, though financial demands from Anthropic pushed Apple to explore other options.

Internally, Apple is working on two separate versions of Siri. One, called Linwood, is based on Apple’s own AI models, while the other, known as Glenwood, integrates external AI technology. These two approaches are part of Apple’s effort to improve Siri’s capabilities, but it remains unclear which path the company will ultimately take.

The ongoing discussions with Google, however, are not related to Apple’s other AI initiatives. For instance, iPhone users can already use ChatGPT for queries Siri can’t answer, and now Apple wants to offer Gemini AI as another option when Siri falls short.

Tim Cook has been vocal about Apple’s AI ambitions, emphasizing that the company must “win in AI.” While Apple may not be leading the charge in AI innovation right now, Cook is confident that the company will eventually deliver a superior product, even if it isn’t the first to market. However, many wonder if Apple truly understands the full potential of AI. Unlike Google’s “Personal Intelligence,” which anticipates user needs and delivers relevant information proactively, Apple’s approach still feels reactive and lacking in vision.

Ultimately, the battle between Apple and Google for AI supremacy is far from over. Google’s expertise in AI has allowed it to develop features that go beyond basic task completion, truly anticipating what users need next. As Apple plays catch-up, it remains to be seen whether a partnership with Google will help Siri finally become the intelligent assistant Apple users have been waiting for.