Apple tests Google’s Gemini AI for Siri upgrade

Apple and Google have reached a formal agreement for Apple to evaluate and test Google’s Gemini AI model to potentially power an upgraded version of Siri currently in development. The deal comes as Apple works to modernize its voice assistant for the AI era while also developing an AI-powered search feature called “World Knowledge Answers” targeted for release next year.

What you should know: Apple is testing multiple AI models for Siri’s upgrade, including its own models alongside options from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic.

• The formal agreement with Google allows Apple to evaluate Gemini specifically for the voice assistant project, though no final decision has been made.
• If Apple chooses Gemini, Google’s AI models would run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers rather than Google’s infrastructure.
• Apple plans to always use its own models and servers for AI features that involve user data.

The bigger picture: This partnership extends Apple’s existing relationship with Google beyond search, potentially deepening their collaboration in AI services.

• The agreement follows a major court decision that allows Apple to continue receiving tens of billions in revenue from Google for making its search engine the default in Safari.
• Apple first expressed interest in integrating Google’s Gemini AI in June 2024 when it announced Apple Intelligence with optional ChatGPT integration.

Key development: Apple is building an AI-powered search product internally called “World Knowledge Answers” that could launch next year.

• The search feature represents Apple’s effort to develop its own AI-backed web search capabilities.
• Google’s Gemini models could potentially power this search tool as well as the enhanced Siri.

What’s off the table: Apple is no longer considering acquiring Perplexity, the AI search startup that uses models from leading AI companies.

• Perplexity had been more appealing when Apple faced potential risks to its business arrangements with Google Search.
• The startup specializes in using AI models to power search functionality similar to what Apple is now developing internally.

Timeline reality check: Apple’s Siri upgrade continues to face delays despite being announced at WWDC 2024.

• The company originally planned to release the more capable Siri during the iOS 18 cycle but officially delayed the project earlier this year.
• Apple now expects to complete the enhanced Siri project in time for a spring 2026 release.