Apple in Talks with Google: Will Gemini AI Enhance Siri Next Year?

Apple is in early talks with Google about using Gemini artificial intelligence (an advanced AI model) to enhance the Siri voice assistant. According to a Reuters report, Apple has approached Google’s parent company, Alphabet, to jointly develop a custom version of Gemini specifically for Siri. Apple is lagging behind competitors such as Google and Samsung in deploying generative AI features to its devices, so it is seeking a solution with the help of a rival. Alphabet shares rose 3.7% following the report, while Apple shares gained 1.6%.

Internal Competition and Alternatives

Apple is holding an internal competition between two versions of an enhanced Siri: one based on its own models, code-named “Linwood,” and another based on external technology called “Glenwood.” Gemini now appears to be the leading candidate for the external option. Apple is testing a version of Gemini that would run on its own servers, which is crucial for protecting user privacy. Apple previously considered working with OpenAI and Anthropic, with models such as ChatGPT and Claude under discussion, but it is now focusing primarily on Google. A decision on whether to stick with internal solutions or switch to a partner is expected within several weeks.

Delays and Future Plans

The original plan for a major Siri update, which was intended to enable more complex tasks based on personal context and full voice control of devices, was delayed by a year due to technical issues. Siri has historically lagged behind assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant in processing complex requests and integrating with third-party apps. A new version of Siri powered by Gemini could arrive with iOS 26 in 2026, but the timeline may still shift depending on the progress of negotiations and testing. If an agreement is reached, it would mark a significant departure from Apple’s tradition of developing key technologies in-house.

This potential partnership could change the dynamic between Apple and Google, which have long been rivals. Neither party has officially commented on the details so far, but the report from Reuters suggests that Apple is looking for ways to quickly catch up in the AI race. No final decision has been made yet, and Apple continues to evaluate all options in an internal process known as a “bake-off.”