TL;DR
Apple has confirmed it will use Google’s Gemini to power upcoming Siri features, according to a 9to5Mac Daily episode published Jan. 12, 2026. The announcement was one of several stories discussed on the podcast, which also covered leadership and services updates.
What happened
On January 12, 2026, 9to5Mac’s Daily podcast reported that Apple has confirmed Google’s Gemini will be used to power new Siri features. The confirmation was one of the main items discussed on the episode authored by Seth Kurkowski. The same episode also recapped other Apple-related stories, including a New York Times profile about the company’s expected next CEO and remarks from Eddy Cue about a strong year for Apple services. The podcast is distributed across major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast (via RSS), Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play/Google Podcasts, and others. The episode page includes a sponsorship mention for Stuff and references related 9to5Mac coverage such as pieces about the iPhone 17e and an incoming iOS 26.2.1 update.
Why it matters
- A confirmed partnership positions Siri to incorporate a third-party large language model, which could change how Apple delivers conversational features.
- Using an external AI model highlights cross-company collaboration between two major tech rivals, with potential implications for product roadmaps and competition.
- Integration of a high-capacity model into Siri may affect user expectations for assistant accuracy and capabilities across Apple devices.
- Broader questions about data handling, privacy and regulatory scrutiny could arise from linking Apple’s assistant to an external AI provider.
Key facts
- Apple confirmed Google’s Gemini will power upcoming Siri features, as reported on 9to5Mac Daily on Jan. 12, 2026.
- The article/episode listing is credited to Seth Kurkowski and published by 9to5Mac.
- The Jan. 12 episode also discussed a New York Times profile of Apple’s expected next CEO and comments from Eddy Cue about Apple services.
- 9to5Mac Daily is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast (RSS), Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play/Google Podcasts and other podcast platforms.
- The episode page includes a sponsorship mention for Stuff, including a promotional code.
- Related 9to5Mac coverage referenced on the site includes pieces about the iPhone 17e and a possible iOS 26.2.1 release.
- The report is presented as part of a daily roundup rather than a standalone Apple press release or company statement page in the source.
What to watch next
- Timing and rollout details for Gemini-powered Siri features — not confirmed in the source.
- How Apple will address privacy and data processing for the Gemini integration — not confirmed in the source.
- Official Apple communications or product announcements that clarify scope and availability of the new Siri features — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Siri: Apple’s voice-activated virtual assistant that performs tasks, answers questions, and integrates with iOS, macOS, and other Apple platforms.
- Gemini: A family of large language models developed by Google, designed to perform natural language understanding and generation tasks.
- Podcast: A digital audio program distributed episodically over the internet and available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and RSS readers.
- iOS: Apple’s mobile operating system for iPhone and iPod touch devices; periodic updates add features, security fixes, and other changes.
Reader FAQ
Did Apple confirm Gemini will power Siri?
Yes. The 9to5Mac Daily episode from Jan. 12, 2026 reports that Apple confirmed Google’s Gemini will power new Siri features.
Where was this announced?
The confirmation was reported on a Jan. 12, 2026 episode of 9to5Mac Daily, as cited in the source.
When will the Gemini-powered Siri features launch?
Not confirmed in the source.
Will Apple provide details on data handling and privacy for this integration?
Not confirmed in the source.
Are there additional reports connected to this episode?
The episode also referenced coverage about Apple leadership, services performance, the iPhone 17e, and a potential iOS 26.2.1 update.
Apple confirms Google’s Gemini will power new Siri features Chance Miller Jan 12 2026 9TO5MAC PODCAST NETWORK 9TO5MAC DAILY PODCAST 9to5Mac Daily: January 12, 2026 – Apple’s Google Gemini deal…
Sources
- 9to5Mac Daily: January 12, 2026 – Apple’s Google Gemini deal is official
- Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming …
- Apple Confirms Google Gemini Will Power Next- …
- Apple picks Google Gemini over ChatGPT for Siri's AI …
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