Apple is bringing Google's Gemini technology into a redesigned version of Siri. The company plans to launch a beta of the updated AI assistant later this year.
What the integration means
Gemini is Google's large language model, capable of generating text, answering questions, and powering conversational interfaces. By plugging it into Siri, Apple is effectively supercharging its voice assistant with third-party AI. The move marks a rare instance of Apple adopting a competitor's foundational technology for a core product.
The new Siri will still run on Apple's own systems. But when a user asks a complex question or requests a creative task — writing an email, summarizing a document, or generating an image — Gemini will handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes. Apple hasn't detailed exactly how requests will be routed or what privacy measures will apply.
Why now
The announcement comes as the AI assistant space heats up. OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's own Assistant (now Gemini-powered), and others have raised expectations for what voice assistants can do. Siri has long been criticized for lagging behind. Apple appears to be addressing that gap by borrowing from the leader in generative AI.
Apple has also been developing its own large language models, but the deal with Google suggests it sees value in moving faster by leveraging existing technology. The companies have a complicated relationship — fierce competitors in smartphones and operating systems, but partners in search and now AI.
The beta will launch later this year, likely alongside a major software update — possibly iOS 19 or a later version. Apple hasn't confirmed which devices will support the new Siri, but it's expected to require relatively recent hardware capable of running on-device AI processing. The full rollout will follow after beta testing.
For now, users will have to wait for more details on availability, language support, and regional restrictions. Apple has not announced a specific date for the beta release.
