Apple turns to Google’s Gemini to deliver long-awaited Siri revamp in 2026

Apple and Google have announced a landmark move to power Siri and other Apple Intelligence features with Gemini models.

The prime motive behind this revelation is to provide the massive “brain” needed to deliver a revamped Siri. This addresses a critical gap for Apple, which has struggled to fulfill the AI promises it made back in 2024.

Apple and Google have reportedly confirmed the deal in a statement provided to Axios. The companies noted that Apple’s next generation foundation models will be powered by Gemini AI Google Cloud technology.

According to the statement, “These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.”

According to Axios, the deal has been in the works since last year. It follows months of delays for the enhanced Siri and signals that Apple is willing to look outside its own labs for foundational AI models.

“After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s AI technology provides the most capable foundation of Apple Foundation Models. “ Apple and Google said in their statement.

It has been observed that Gemini has overtaken ChatGPT as the model of choice, according to recent benchmarks and rankings. Given that Apple is considered well behind its competitors in AI features, it makes sense for the iPhone maker to choose Google’s model over OpenAI’s.

The partnership marks a transformative shift in the AI arms race, indicating that even a giant like Apple recognizes that massive scale beats in-house isolation.

Additionally, Apple says Google’s models will run on-device or via Apple’s own servers in order to maintain the company's strict privacy standards.