Apple is preparing to shake up the world of voice assistants, and this time, all eyes are on Siri. After years of mixed reviews and missed opportunities, Apple's signature assistant is about to get a dramatic makeover—powered, behind the scenes, by none other than Google's Gemini AI.
The tech landscape is abuzz with speculation: Will this high-profile collaboration finally put Siri back at the forefront of smart technology? And, crucially, can Apple's user-friendly approach and powerful new hardware restore trust in a long-maligned digital helper?
Siri to Receive Major AI Upgrade with Google's Gemini
Apple's revamped Siri is expected to debut in March 2026, serving as the cornerstone of the firm's reinvigorated AI ambitions.
At its core, this upgraded Siri will 'lean' on Google's Gemini—a sophisticated AI model—yet users won't find themselves surrounded by Google-branded features or interfaces.
Instead, Siri will leverage a bespoke Gemini model, crafted specifically for Apple and running exclusively on Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers.
This setup means Apple retains its customary privacy safeguards and user interface design while supercharging Siri's intelligence behind the scenes.
Significantly, Apple is paying Google for this custom model, which is not accessible publicly and does not expose Google's traditional services directly to Siri users.
Rather, the Gemini-powered system enables Apple's assistant to respond far more nimbly to web searches, context-sensitive requests, and everyday queries.
This marks a notable departure from Siri's historically limited responses and signals a substantial leap forward for the company's AI strategy.
Siri's New Capabilities on the Latest Apple Devices
To support its AI ambitions, Apple is rolling out an array of new hardware poised to showcase what the next-generation Siri can do. A smart home display—complete with a versatile speaker base and wall-mount option—will debut alongside the refreshed assistant.
Hot on its heels, Apple plans to introduce an updated Apple TV and a new HomePod mini, all set to take advantage of Apple Intelligence and Gemini-powered Siri features.
This hardware push reflects Apple's goal to bring advanced AI not just to iPhones and Macs but also to the heart of homes—living rooms, kitchens, and offices. By making AI tangible everywhere users go, Apple hopes to demonstrate why voice assistants remain essential tools in the era of smart technology.
Siri at the Centre of Apple's Next-Gen Operating Systems
Apple isn't stopping at hardware. The next Worldwide Developers Conference, set for June, will unveil iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, visionOS 27, tvOS 27, and watchOS 27—all of which will spotlight significantly enhanced AI features.
The improved Siri sits at the centre of these new platforms, with integration planned for everything from voice control to smarter text generation and personalised recommendations.
With Apple Intelligence being baked into every corner of the operating system ecosystem, 2026 could be remembered as the year Apple fully embraced—and delivered—robust artificial intelligence.
Siri has a new look! #WWDC24 pic.twitter.com/2Ot6c88zK2
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 10, 2024
Regulatory Puzzles in China Delay Siri's AI Revolution
Despite Apple's global strategy, progress in China remains uncertain. The company continues to encounter significant regulatory roadblocks, preventing the full release of Apple Intelligence and the new Siri in the region.
Even with partnerships in place with major Chinese tech companies, there is no confirmed launch date; internally, Apple refers to China's timeline as a 'rolling target'. Until then, Chinese consumers may have to wait before experiencing the new Siri and Apple's deeper dive into AI assistance.
A Calculated Gamble for Apple and Siri
Apple's collaboration with Google through the Gemini AI model highlights a pragmatic leap towards advanced AI, blending in-house privacy rigour with the speed and sophistication of external innovation.
While the company maintains tight control over Siri's user experience, the underlying technology signals a willingness to evolve—and a determination to win back users' trust.
Will this be enough to restore Siri's reputation? Apple's ambition is unmistakable. Now, the tech world waits to see if this AI reboot will finally give Siri the intelligence and reliability users have long demanded.
