Apple Considering Turning to Gemini AI in Siri Reboot

Apple is in early talks to use Google’s Gemini AI model for its Siri voice assistant, according to media reports. The company is in discussions with Google about developing a custom AI model that could serve as the basis for a revamped version of Siri.

Google is currently training a model that could run on Apple’s servers after it previously explored partnerships with Anthropic and OpenAI to use their models in Siri. The tech giant is developing two versions of Siri. One is based on the company’s own internally developed models, and the second uses other companies’ technologies.

A potential partnership between Apple and Google could be a game-changer. Apple reportedly plans to up its AI game by launching a tranche of devices, including a tabletop robot equipped with an updated version of Siri. The company is currently languishing behind rivals in the development of generative AI models, which can be used on its devices.

CEO Tim Cook stated in a staff call earlier in August that it has to win in AI and noted that a more personalised version of Siri features will be available next year. Updating Siri to better compete against assistants from rivals Amazon and Google is a top priority for Apple. The tech giant faced several delays in improving Siri with new AI-enabled features.

Apple stated in March that the boosted features teased in June 2024 to allow Siri to tap into users’ personal information and have more control of apps had been delayed, with a release planned sometime “in the coming year”. In April, the iPhone-maker overhauled the management team in charge of redesigning Siri to include employees from its Vision Pro software group.