Did you ever think that Apple, the tech giant that gave us the iPhone and changed the world, would now seek help from its biggest rival? Well, according to the latest information from Bloomberg, that's exactly what's happening! Apple is in early talks with Google to use their advanced AI technology, Gemini, to completely overhaul Siri. Yes, the same Siri that once promised to revolutionize, but is now better known for telling us the weather or playing us a song – but what if she soon becomes a real smart assistant that reads our minds? Let's take a look at the details of this potential turnaround that could put Apple back on the map of AI innovation.
Apple is no newcomer to the world of artificial intelligence, but let's face it - they've been overtaken by everyone in recent years. OpenAI with ChatGPT, Google with Gemini, Microsoft with Copilot… While these giants were already conquering the world with generative AI in 2023 and 2024, Apple only introduced Apple Intelligence last year, promising things like personalized emojis, text summaries, and an improved Siri. But the reality? Delays, engineering hurdles, and even the departures of key people from the team.
Apple is reportedly looking to external partners to speed up development. In addition to Google, Anthropic (Claude) and OpenAI (ChatGPT) were also considered, but the talks with Google are currently the focus. Why Gemini? Because they could create a custom AI model that would allow Siri to access personal data, complete commands with just voice, and navigate devices without touching. The original plan for the Siri overhaul was for spring 2025, but it was pushed back a year — they’re now targeting spring 2026. And that’s no small feat; it’s a key part of Apple Intelligence that’s supposed to run on devices and their private clouds for maximum privacy.
Apple is developing two versions of the new Siri: “Linwood” on its own designs and “Glenwood” on external technology. There’s an internal “bake-off” underway to decide which is better. Leadership? Now led by Craig Federighi (head of software) and Mike Rockwell (creator of Vision Pro), while AI chief John Giannandrea is temporarily removed from the project. Add to that the departure of chief architect Ruoming Pang to Meta for $200 million — and you can see why Apple might need outside help.
Rivalry with Google: Enemies or partners?
Apple and Google? Like cat and dog in smartphones, operating systems and services. But they also have a long-standing partnership – Google pays billions to be the default search engine on Apple devices (currently under scrutiny by the US Department of Justice for antitrust). Now imagine: Gemini as the heart of Siri! That would be a big move for Apple, which has always bet on its own security and privacy technology. But as Tim Cook said at a recent meeting: “We have to win in AI.” Apple is known for being late to the game, but with better products – think of the iPhone after other smartphones.
This isn't the only integration; OpenAI already helps with general queries in Apple Intelligence, and they plan to use ChatGPT to generate images in iOS 26. But it's a deeper change for Siri—and if Gemini wins, it could mean faster progress, but also risks to Apple's independence.
What does this mean for us mere mortals?
If the talks work out, we might see Siri next year that actually understands our needs, reads our emails, plans our day, and even predicts our wishes without us having to type. But the question remains: Will Apple stay true to itself or will it have to “wear a ring” (sorry, Gemini) from a rival? The market is reacting positively – Apple and Google shares jumped after the news.
We're waiting! Will this be the next big hit like the Apple Watch or the new AirPower – a promise without fulfillment? Apple, come on, show us a demo! In the meantime, stay tuned to City Magazine for more tech news that will keep you on the edge of your seat. What do you think? Will Gemini save Siri? Write in the comments!
