In a surprising turn of events, apple is reportedly leveraging GoogleS artificial intelligence technology to bolster its Siri voice assistant. After delays to a planned major Siri upgrade- initially promised in 2024 and subsequently pushed to 2026 due to reliability concerns- the tech giant has confirmed it will utilize Google’s AI models as the foundation for its AI initiatives. The move underscores the intensifying competition in the AI space following disruptions from companies like OpenAI and signals the challenges of autonomous AI progress for even the world’s most valuable company [[1]].
Apple is turning to Google for artificial intelligence power, opting to utilize Google’s AI models to enhance its Siri voice assistant. The iPhone maker confirmed to CNBC that it had decided Google’s technology offered the best foundation for its AI initiatives.
Previous Siri Upgrade Faced Reliability Issues
Apple had initially promised a significantly improved Siri in June 2024, envisioning a version with access to users’ personal information and the ability to operate across multiple apps. As an example, the company suggested users could simply ask Siri when to leave to pick up family members from the airport, and the assistant would automatically factor in flight arrival times and traffic conditions. This move underscored the growing importance of AI-powered assistants in streamlining daily life.
However, in March 2025, Apple announced a delay, estimating the upgraded Siri wouldn’t arrive until 2026. Software chief Craig Federighi explained that internal testing revealed the software wasn’t reliable enough to meet Apple’s standards.
Apple originally attempted to build the new features using its own AI models. But, according to a report from Bloomberg last August, the company began exploring the possibility of leveraging the technology behind Google’s Gemini AI. The shift reflects the challenges of developing competitive AI in-house.
The move comes three years after OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot disrupted the tech industry, prompting Google to develop Gemini and Amazon to upgrade its Alexa assistant. Currently, Apple users have the option to route general queries to ChatGPT directly through Siri.
