Apple's long-awaited artificial intelligence upgrade for Siri is finally getting the boost it needs. The company has turned to an unexpected partner for this crucial enhancement. Apple confirmed it is joining forces with Google to use Gemini models as the foundation for a smarter and more capable Siri.
A Strategic Partnership Forms
This collaboration represents a significant acknowledgment from Apple. The iPhone maker admitted its own AI technology was not meeting expectations. To catch up in the competitive generative AI race, Apple decided to work with a longtime rival.
"After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," Apple stated in a joint announcement with Google. The multi-year agreement will see Gemini and Google's cloud infrastructure power not just Siri, but future Apple Intelligence features across various products.
Apple emphasizes that all operations will still run on its devices and Private Cloud Compute servers. This approach maintains the company's strong commitment to user privacy.
The Delayed Siri Upgrade
This partnership essentially serves as Apple's backup plan. The original Siri revamp encountered multiple obstacles and delays. Apple first previewed an AI-powered assistant at WWDC 2024, promising advanced capabilities like understanding personal context and controlling apps through natural conversation.
By March 2025, Apple conceded the upgrade was taking longer than anticipated. The company pushed the launch timeline to 2026. Internal developments became complicated during this period. Reports indicated that Apple's AI chief John Giannandrea was moved away from Siri development following the delays. The project was reassigned to software head Craig Federighi and Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell.
Apple tested two separate versions internally. One version utilized the company's own models, while another relied on external technology. Ultimately, the external approach proved more viable. The revamped Siri is now expected to debut with iOS 26.4 around March or April of next year.
Google's Significant Win
For Google, this partnership validates the success of its AI initiatives. Alphabet's stock price surged following the announcement. The increase briefly pushed Google's market capitalization past $4 trillion, allowing it to overtake Apple as the world's second-most valuable company.
The search giant launched its Gemini 3 model in November. CEO Sundar Pichai has highlighted substantial growth in Google Cloud. The cloud division signed more billion-dollar deals in the third quarter of 2025 than it had in the previous two years combined.
Neither company disclosed specific financial terms of their agreement. Earlier reports suggested Apple might pay approximately $1 billion annually for access to Google's AI technology.
