Apple is preparing a major upgrade for its voice assistant, Siri, and according to a new Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, the revamp could involve Google’s Gemini AI technology. This marks a significant shift in Apple’s strategy, as the company has faced criticism for lagging behind rivals in the AI race.
Siri’s Long-Awaited Overhaul
Apple had originally planned to release its revamped Siri in 2025, but the update has now been delayed until 2026. The main reason for the delay, reports suggest, is Apple’s struggle to ensure its in-house AI models are powerful enough to compete with the advanced AI tools from OpenAI, Perplexity, and Google.
Apple and Google’s AI Partnership
According to Bloomberg, Apple and Google have reached a formal agreement to test Google’s Gemini model within Siri. If the collaboration proves successful, Gemini’s AI could also power other areas of Apple’s ecosystem, such as Safari browser search and the Spotlight search tool on iPhones.
Spotlight to Get Smarter
Spotlight search on iOS has long served as a quick way to look up information without using Google directly. However, with the rise of AI chatbots offering instant, conversational answers on a broad range of topics, Apple now appears to be rethinking Spotlight’s role.
What the New Siri Could Offer
The upgraded Siri is expected to deliver a richer, more interactive search experience. Features may include:
- AI-powered summarization of answers
- Integration of text, photos, and videos
- Local points of interest suggestions
- Access to personal user data for tailored results
- Voice navigation across iPhone functions
Conclusion
If Apple’s partnership with Google Gemini goes through, Siri could transform from a simple voice assistant into a powerful AI-driven tool, potentially bringing Apple back into serious competition in the AI space.