TL;DR
Apple has agreed to use Google’s Gemini AI model and Google Cloud as the foundation for a more personalized Siri due later this year under a multi-year deal. The move follows delays and internal reshuffling as Apple explored partnerships with several AI firms while developing new Siri capabilities.
What happened
Apple announced it will adopt Google’s Gemini large language model to underpin an upgraded, more personalized version of Siri slated for release this year. According to Apple’s statement to CNBC, the company chose Google’s technology after evaluation and said it provides a capable foundation for what it calls Apple Foundation Models. The arrangement is described as a multi-year partnership and also involves use of Google’s cloud infrastructure for future models. Apple has been working on an AI-augmented Siri intended to act on users’ behalf and better understand personal context; that update was delayed last March. Reports from Bloomberg indicated Apple considered a custom Gemini for features such as a “World Knowledge Answers” summary tool and briefly reorganized its AI leadership, replacing John Giannandrea with Mike Rockwell. Apple reportedly also explored ties with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity, and said it plans additional AI integrations over time.
Why it matters
- The deal signals Apple relying on an external large AI model and cloud services to accelerate its AI roadmap.
- A more context-aware Siri could change how users interact with Apple devices by enabling actions and personalized assistance.
- Apple’s consideration of multiple AI partners suggests a multi-vendor approach rather than a single-source strategy.
- Leadership changes and past delays highlight the technical and organizational challenges in building advanced assistant features.
Key facts
- Apple will use Google’s Gemini model to power a more personalized Siri expected this year.
- Apple described Gemini as the most capable foundation for its Apple Foundation Models in a statement to CNBC.
- The agreement is a multi-year partnership that includes use of Google’s cloud technology for future models.
- Apple has been developing an AI-upgraded Siri intended to perform actions for users and understand personal context.
- Apple delayed the Siri update last March after saying development was taking longer than anticipated.
- Bloomberg reported Apple considered a custom version of Gemini for a “World Knowledge Answers” feature that would generate summaries from web results.
- Apple reorganized its AI leadership, replacing AI chief John Giannandrea with Vision Pro head Mike Rockwell; Giannandrea stepped down last month.
- Apple reportedly explored partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity and said it plans to add more AI integrations over time.
What to watch next
- Exact launch timing and regional rollout details for the upgraded Siri — not confirmed in the source.
- How Apple will integrate Gemini with on-device processing and existing Siri infrastructure — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Apple will deploy a custom-tuned version of Gemini or use Google’s standard model in production — partly reported by Bloomberg but final details not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Gemini: Google’s family of large AI models designed to handle language and multimodal tasks.
- Siri: Apple’s voice assistant that performs commands, answers questions, and interacts with device services.
- Apple Foundation Models: A term Apple uses to refer to core AI models that can be adapted for company features and services.
- World Knowledge Answers: A reported capability to search the web and produce AI-generated summaries of information — described in Bloomberg reporting.
- Cloud technology: Remote servers and services used to store data and run computing workloads off-site.
Reader FAQ
Will the new Siri use Google’s Gemini?
Yes. Apple said it will use Google’s Gemini model as a foundation for its upgraded Siri.
When will the upgraded Siri arrive?
Apple said the more personalized Siri is coming this year.
Is Apple abandoning its own AI work in favor of Google?
Not confirmed in the source.
Did Apple explore other AI partners?
Yes. Reports say Apple considered OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity before announcing the Gemini partnership.
Who is leading Apple’s AI efforts now?
Bloomberg reported Mike Rockwell replaced John Giannandrea as head of AI work; Giannandrea stepped down last month.
NEWS TECH APPLE Apple picks Google’s Gemini AI for its big Siri upgrade ‘Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models.‘ by Emma Roth Jan 12, 2026,…
Sources
- Apple picks Google’s Gemini AI for its big Siri upgrade
- Apple Taps Google's Gemini to Power AI Features in Siri …
- Apple selects Google's Gemini to power Siri, CNBC reports
- Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming …
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