TL;DR
Google has released a beta of Gemini Personal Intelligence, which demonstrates how an assistant can pull personalized data from multiple apps to produce context-aware answers. Apple confirmed many upcoming Siri features will use Gemini models, and the Apple version is expected to access data from users' Apple apps and iCloud.
What happened
Google introduced a beta called Personal Intelligence for its Gemini models that can draw on a range of user data across Google services to generate tailored responses. The system can search text, images and video in connected Google apps — including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Photos, YouTube history and several Search-based services — to answer queries with personalized context. Google presented real-world examples, such as identifying tire sizes and retrieving a license-plate number from a photo, that combine multiple data sources to create practical suggestions. Google also described controls intended to reduce factual errors: the assistant will try to cite the sources and surface the assumptions it used, let users correct or re-run responses without personalization, and require users to opt in and select which apps to connect. Apple has confirmed many Siri features will be powered by Gemini models; the reporting indicates the Apple variant will operate on data in Apple apps and iCloud and run either on-device or via Apple’s Private Cloud Compute.
Why it matters
- Siri using Gemini-style personal intelligence would make voice assistant answers more context-aware by referencing users’ own emails, calendars, photos and other app data.
- Combining personal data with LLM responses raises new privacy and accuracy trade-offs; user controls and transparency are central to mitigating those risks.
- On-device execution or use of a private cloud could affect performance, latency and where sensitive data is processed.
- The ability to request non-personalized answers and to correct the assistant aims to limit errors and let users maintain control over personalization.
Key facts
- Google launched a beta of 'Personal Intelligence' for its Gemini models that pulls personal detail from multiple Google services.
- Personal Intelligence can access text, photos, and videos across Google Workspace, Google Photos, YouTube watch history and various Google search services.
- Google demonstrated combined uses: finding a vehicle’s tire size, recommending tire options based on photos of past trips, and retrieving a license-plate number from a picture.
- Google says users must opt in to Personal Intelligence and choose which apps to connect; connections are off by default.
- Gemini will attempt to show which source material and assumptions it used and allow users to correct or request unpersonalized responses.
- Apple confirmed that many upcoming Siri capabilities will be powered by Google’s Gemini models.
- According to the reporting, the Apple implementation will pull data from Apple apps such as Mail, Calendar, Photos and Notes and use iCloud data, running either on-device or via Apple’s Private Cloud Compute.
What to watch next
- Exact timeline for Apple rolling Gemini-powered Siri to users: not confirmed in the source
- Precise opt-in and permission flows Apple will require for Siri access to Mail, Photos and other apps: not confirmed in the source
- How Apple will reconcile Gemini’s source-referencing and correction tools with its own privacy and on-device policies: not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Gemini: A family of large language models developed by Google that can process text and other media to generate responses.
- Personal Intelligence: A Gemini feature that combines information from a user’s connected apps and services to produce personalized assistant responses.
- Hallucination (in AI): When a model generates inaccurate or fabricated information rather than factual responses.
- On-device processing: Running AI models directly on a user's device rather than sending data to a cloud server for computation.
- Private Cloud Compute: A cloud-based environment designed to process data with stronger isolation and controls than general public cloud services.
Reader FAQ
Will Siri use Google’s Gemini models?
Apple has confirmed that many upcoming Siri features will be powered by Gemini models.
What types of personal data does Gemini Personal Intelligence use?
For Google’s beta, it can draw on email, calendar, Drive files, Photos, YouTube history and various Search-related services; the Apple version is reported to use Mail, Calendar, Photos and Notes in iCloud.
Do users have to opt in to enable Personal Intelligence?
Google says users must opt in and select which apps to connect; connections are off by default.
Will data used by Personal Intelligence leave Google or Apple systems?
Google states data for Personal Intelligence does not leave the Google ecosystem; reporting says the Apple variant will access data within Apple apps and iCloud.
When will Gemini-powered Siri be available to iPhone users?
not confirmed in the source
Apple Notes could get a powerful new advantage in iOS 26.4, per report Ryan Christoffel Jan 14 2026 SIRI GEMINI Gemini Personal Intelligence previews what we can expect from the…
Sources
- Gemini Personal Intelligence previews what we can expect from the new Siri
- Google Gemini-Powered Siri Will Reportedly Have These 7 New Features
- Google launches Personal Intelligence in Gemini app …
- Google Gemini-Powered Siri Will Reportedly Have These 7 …
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