Apple seems to be making a big change with its voice assistant Siri, and the updates are said to be revealed by March 2026. If we go by some latest reports, Siri will be backed by a custom version of Google Gemini, and will bring new web-search and AI-powered features to Apple’s ecosystem.
Interestingly, Apple is said to be paying Google to create a custom Gemini-based model that runs on Apple’s own Private Cloud Compute servers. That means users won’t see any Google branding or Gemini features in Siri’s interface. But the Google model will work behind the scenes to power Siri’s responses and enable richer, AI-driven interactions.
This upcoming Siri launch is part of a broader AI strategy that Apple plans to showcase at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Where the Cupertino giant is expected to unveil iOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and other software updates that will focus heavily on expanding AI, which the company likes to call Apple Intelligence features, across devices.
However, not everything is running smoothly. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman notes that Apple continues to face regulatory challenges with the rollout of Apple Intelligence in China. Despite partnerships with local firms, progress has been slow, and the launch in China remains uncertain.
Apple’s decision to work with Google on Gemini signals a notable shift in its usually closed ecosystem. Siri has long been criticized for lagging behind Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa in understanding context and handling complex tasks. While the new approach could give Siri a much-needed boost, Gurman warns there’s no guarantee users will fully embrace it or that it will repair Siri’s damaged reputation overnight.
From my perspective, this partnership feels like a pragmatic move rather than a bold innovation. Apple knows it has fallen behind in the AI race, especially as competitors like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft have raced ahead with advanced generative models. Leaning on Gemini might finally bring Siri closer to what users expect in 2025: conversational, smart, and reliable. But it’s also an acknowledgment that Apple’s in-house efforts alone haven’t been enough to compete.
If Apple can pull this off while maintaining its promise of privacy and seamless integration, the next Siri could be its most significant comeback in years. But if the rollout is delayed or the performance feels half-baked, it may only reinforce what many users have believed for a while, that Siri still has a lot of catching up to do.
