Key Takeaways
- Apple’s Siri revamp will be powered by Google’s Gemini AI
- Custom Gemini model to run on Apple’s private cloud servers
- Launch expected in March 2025 with new smart home products
- Apple maintaining its user interface despite Google partnership
Apple is reportedly turning to Google’s Gemini to power its long-awaited Siri overhaul, marking a significant partnership between the tech giants. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Cupertino company will “lean” on Google to provide the AI backbone for its voice assistant upgrade.
The Gemini Partnership
Apple conducted a bake-off earlier this year between Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini models. While Claude performed better technically, Gemini offered better financial value for the company. This builds on Apple’s existing search partnership with Google, where Google pays to be the default search engine on iPhones.
Apple will reportedly pay Google to develop a custom Gemini-based model that can operate on Apple’s private cloud servers. This ensures data privacy while leveraging Google’s AI capabilities.
What to Expect from the New Siri
Gurman clarifies that iPhones won’t be “flooded” with Android-style AI features. Instead, Siri will gain AI capabilities that users expect while maintaining Apple’s signature user interface and experience.
The revamped Siri was first demonstrated at WWDC 2024, showcasing abilities like on-screen awareness, personal context understanding, and cross-app actions. These features were intended to make Siri a “hands-free” iPhone controller.
Launch Timeline and Future Plans
Apple plans to roll out the new Siri in March 2025, potentially alongside new smart home products. The company will also unveil iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 at next year’s WWDC, featuring major updates to Apple Intelligence.
Meanwhile, Siri currently relies on ChatGPT for complex queries and faces increasing competition from AI startups.
In other developments, Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 1 and plans several milestone launches, including the first foldable iPhone expected in September. The foldable iPhone will reportedly feature Apple’s in-house C2 chip, replacing Qualcomm modems.
