Apple wants Google’s help for Siri to make it better and more powerful, here's how

Siri

Apple is exploring multiple options to power the next generation of Siri, with Google emerging as a potential partner. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple has approached Google to discuss building a custom AI model for Siri. This model, based on Google’s Gemini technology, could be trained to run directly on Apple’s servers.

Competing AI models

The move comes after reports that Apple was also in talks with OpenAI and Anthropic. Internally, the company is said to be testing different approaches by running two versions of Siri. One, code-named Linwood, is powered by Apple’s in-house models, while another, called Glenwood, uses external technology. This “bake-off” will help Apple decide whether to rely on its own system or license a model from another provider.

Google’s Gemini role

Google’s Gemini already powers AI functions on Android devices, Samsung smartphones, and a variety of third-party apps. For Apple, integrating Gemini into Siri could offer a faster way to deliver a more advanced voice assistant without shouldering the full cost of model development. Analysts suggest Apple could benefit by licensing AI technology in a manner similar to how it already partners with Google for search on iPhones.

Other contenders and Apple’s efforts

While Anthropic’s Claude was previously seen as the leading candidate, cost concerns may limit its chances. At the same time, Apple continues to invest in its own research, including testing a trillion-parameter model that is significantly larger than the 150 billion parameter models it currently deploys on its servers. Some Apple leaders have even considered using third-party AI for features beyond Siri under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, though Siri remains the priority.

Apple originally announced a redesigned Siri in June 2024 with plans for iOS 18. However, delays and restructuring pushed the launch window to 2026. The company is now targeting a spring release for the upgraded assistant, depending on the outcome of its ongoing AI experiments.