Apple is reportedly considering a partnership with Google to enhance Siri, its voice assistant, ahead of the iPhone 17 launch. Bloomberg reports that Apple has begun discussions about utilizing Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence to facilitate a significant overhaul of Siri, indicating a potential shift in the company’s AI strategy. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that Apple is interested in a customized Gemini model designed specifically for its servers, particularly those running on its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure. Google has begun training such a model for Apple, but the conversations are still in the early stages, and no definitive agreement has been made.
Apple has also reached out to other AI leaders, including OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which are examining ways to run AI models securely within Apple’s ecosystem. Insiders suggest that Apple is assessing various versions of Siri—some utilizing its own large language models (LLMs) and others depending on external AI solutions. The redesigned assistant is anticipated to be part of what Apple refers to as a “second-generation” Siri architecture.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, recently highlighted the project’s scale, stating, “This has put us in a position to not just deliver what we announced, but to deliver a much bigger upgrade than we envisioned,” and describing the initiative as an “end-to-end revamp” aimed at unlocking advanced AI features, including personalization. Personalization is a key aspect of Apple Intelligence, the company’s overarching term for its forthcoming AI-powered tools, set to launch with iOS 18. The upgraded Siri is expected to progress from a basic voice assistant to a truly adaptive AI companion that can comprehend users’ preferences and habits. Initially, Apple appeared to favor a collaboration with Anthropic, the AI startup behind the Claude chatbot.
However, reports indicate that financial considerations led the company to explore alternative options. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, also engaged in discussions, although no final arrangements have been established. A potential partnership with Google is particularly significant given the complicated history between the two companies. Apple and Google already share one of the largest commercial partnerships in technology, with Google paying billions annually to remain the default search engine on Apple devices. A collaboration on Siri and Gemini could deepen this relationship while potentially attracting antitrust scrutiny. Industry insiders warn that an LLM-powered Siri may not be available until spring 2026, allowing Apple to ensure that the selected model—whether developed internally or sourced from a partner—meets performance expectations.
Apple’s cautious approach underscores its commitment to data security, seamless functionality, and user experience. Meanwhile, competition in generative AI is intensifying, with Google, Microsoft through OpenAI, and various startups racing to lead in AI advancements. With the forthcoming Siri update, Apple seems determined to close the gap and provide users with a smarter, more personalized voice assistant experience.