Apple Considers Using Google's Gemini AI for Siri Upgrade, Bloomberg Reports

Apple is considering using Google's Gemini AI for an updated Siri, according to Bloomberg. The potential partnership would mark a shift away from Apple's current use of Bing as the default search engine for Siri. The move would align with Apple's efforts to improve Siri's capabilities and user experience.

Apple Inc. is reportedly in early discussions about leveraging Google Gemini to power an updated version of its Siri voice assistant, according to Bloomberg. This potential partnership would signify a significant shift in Apple's approach to artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in relation to its search engine and AI capabilities.

The iPhone maker has recently approached Alphabet Inc.’s Google to explore building a custom AI model that could serve as the foundation for the new Siri, slated to debut next year. Google has begun training a model that could run on Apple’s servers, as per sources familiar with the matter [1]. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to catch up in generative AI, a field where the company has historically lagged.

Apple’s Siri has faced delays and setbacks, with the most recent upgrade scheduled for this past spring but postponed by a year due to engineering challenges. The project, initially overseen by AI chief John Giannandrea, is now led by software boss Craig Federighi and Vision Pro headset creator Mike Rockwell, who are considering external partnerships to address the delays.

Executives at Apple are weighing options, including using Google Gemini or sticking with internal models. The company is developing two versions of the new Siri: Linwood, powered by Apple's models, and Glenwood, which would run on outside technology [1]. This exploratory phase involves discussions with Anthropic and OpenAI as well, with Apple considering whether Claude or ChatGPT could serve as Siri’s new brain.

The potential partnership with Google Gemini is not the first time Apple has explored external AI solutions. Last year, Apple integrated ChatGPT as a fallback for Siri, addressing areas where the assistant traditionally underperformed. However, the use of third-party models for Siri would represent a significant departure from Apple’s preference for maintaining ownership of AI features on consumer devices [1].

Google, too, is making strides in the AI space. It is rolling out Gemini for Home, a voice assistant that will replace Google Assistant for home consumer devices. The upgrade includes Gemini Live, which offers more advanced AI capabilities for tasks like cooking, troubleshooting, and planning [2]. This move underscores Google’s push to bring its most advanced AI technology into consumer products, directly competing with Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri.

Apple’s foray into using Google Gemini for Siri could indicate a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly turning to third-party AI solutions to enhance their products. However, Apple remains cautious about the potential security and privacy implications of this approach, as it has historically prioritized maintaining control over the AI features on its devices.

In conclusion, Apple’s exploration of using Google Gemini to power Siri represents a strategic shift in its AI strategy. While the potential benefits include enhanced capabilities and user experience, the move also carries risks and challenges that Apple will need to navigate carefully.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-22/apple-explores-using-google-gemini-ai-to-power-revamped-siri
[2] https://www.pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2025/google-unveils-ai-voice-assistant-home/