Apple Weighs Gemini AI to Upgrade Siri Experience

• Apple is exploring Google’s Gemini model to enhance Siri, aiming to close gaps in generative AI while preserving its privacy standards.

Apple Reconsiders Siri’s Future with External AI

Apple is reportedly in early-stage talks with Google to integrate the Gemini AI model into a redesigned version of Siri. The discussions reflect a broader reassessment of Apple’s generative AI strategy, which has lagged behind competitors in recent years. Bloomberg reports that Apple approached Google to explore a custom Gemini model that could run on Apple’s infrastructure. No final decision has been made, and internal models remain under evaluation alongside external options.

The initiative follows delays to a long-planned Siri upgrade, originally expected in spring but postponed due to engineering setbacks. Apple’s current voice assistant has struggled with multi-step commands and contextual understanding, limiting its competitiveness. These limitations have prompted the company to consider outside solutions to accelerate development. A revamped Siri could offer more advanced voice control and task execution across Apple devices.

Multiple AI Partners Under Consideration

In addition to Google, Apple has reportedly held talks with OpenAI and Anthropic, evaluating whether ChatGPT or Claude could serve as the foundation for Siri’s next iteration. This multi-vendor approach suggests Apple is conducting comparative testing to determine which model best meets its requirements. The company is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks, weighing both technical performance and privacy implications. Any external model would likely run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute infrastructure to maintain user data protections.

News of the potential partnership had an immediate effect on financial markets. Alphabet’s shares rose 3.7%, while Apple’s stock gained 1.6% following the report. Analysts view the move as a practical response to Apple’s slower rollout of generative AI features, especially as rivals like Google and Samsung continue to expand their capabilities. A Siri powered by Gemini could help Apple reassert itself in the competitive landscape of voice-based AI.

Internal Development Faces Technical Hurdles

Apple’s internal efforts to modernize Siri have encountered delays, including setbacks within its Foundation Models team and changes in leadership. The company is currently testing two versions of Siri: one using its own models (code-named Linwood) and another powered by external AI systems (known as Glenwood). These parallel tracks reflect uncertainty about which approach will ultimately deliver the most effective user experience. Apple’s in-house trillion-parameter model is still under development, representing a significant leap from its existing 150 billion-parameter systems.

Despite being competitors in mobile and cloud services, Apple and Google maintain a longstanding business relationship. Google pays Apple billions annually to remain the default search engine on Safari, which could facilitate deeper collaboration. Choosing Gemini would mark a notable shift from Apple’s traditional preference for in-house development. The decision may also raise questions about long-term control over core services and regulatory scrutiny.