Apple and Google are reportedly discussing deploying Google’s Gemini AI model to overhaul Siri in 2026. Due to their longstanding animosity, this would be one of Apple’s most unconventional alliances.
The conversations reveal Apple’s internal Siri AI efforts and push to catch up in artificial intelligence.
Exploring AI models from rivals
Apple is developing two different Siri programs: Linwood, which uses its own technology, and Glenwood, which uses other AI.
OpenAI and Anthropic have also been examined for partnerships, although the corporation has not yet decided on them.
According to reports, Apple is interested in a custom-trained Gemini model that would operate on Apple’s own servers, offering privacy and control benefits while utilising Google’s state-of-the-art AI.
Impacts on Siri and Apple’s AI strategy
The Siri update, which was initially intended to include new capabilities for interacting with personal data and performing sophisticated commands, was postponed until 2026 due to internal turmoil and technical challenges.
As a result of Apple’s challenges in implementing AI, the company has implemented management changes and is currently reevaluating its AI strategy.
Using Gemini could provide users with more robust voice assistance consistent with the capabilities of Google’s Pixel devices. Apple’s AI chief recently resigned, and the company is now under increasing pressure from investors to expedite its AI offerings.
The high demands of AI advancement are also reflected in this partnership discussion, which indicates a broader trend in which legendary rivals collaborate.
Tensions and cooperation between Apple and Google
Despite the fierce competition in hardware and software, Apple has relied on Google to search for its devices for a long time. This agreement is highly profitable but is subject to scrutiny under antitrust laws. Integrating Gemini AI into Siri would intensify this tense partnership by blending rivalry with dependence.
Potentially altering the AI dynamics between these two tech titans, such collaboration would broaden Google’s AI reach to hundreds of millions of iPhone users.
However, the discussions indicate a significant change in Apple’s AI strategy, although neither company has publicly confirmed the agreement.
The potential for Siri to be powered by Google’s Gemini demonstrates the difficulty of AI integration, even for industry leaders, and the necessity of collaboration in the imminent AI contest.