Apple appears to be increasingly turning to Google to fill the gap in the artificial intelligence space, as Siri urgently needs an upgrade to compete with modern AI assistants. According to new information, the company has asked Google to consider the possibility of “building servers ” for the new version of Siri that will be powered by Gemini models and meet Apple’s privacy requirements . This strategic move is a sign of Apple’s recognition that internal development is not enough to cope with the intense competition in the AI space .
The initial announcement of the partnership in January revealed that Google ’s models Gemini AI would help power the upgraded version of Siri that Apple delayed last year. However, new reports from The Verge suggest that Apple may be relying even more on Google to accelerate the development of its AI capabilities. The partnership represents a significant shift in Apple’s philosophy, which has traditionally favored in-house development and control of its core technologies.
See also: Apple confirms that AI Siri will be released in 2026
The initial agreement called for “the next generation of Apple Foundation Models models Gemini ’s Google and cloud technology,” and that the models would “help power future Apple Intelligence,” including a “more personalized Siri.” While the announcement noted that Apple Intelligence would “continue to run on Apple devices and private cloud compute,” it did not specify whether the new Siri would run on Google. This ambiguity raises questions about Apple’s reliance on Google’s infrastructure and the potential impact on the company’s independence.
Siri: From innovation to stagnation
Siri was originally developed by SRI International 's Artificial Intelligence Center , stemming from a DARPA - funded project called CALO (Cognitive Agent that Learns and Observes) . The technology was released as a standalone iOS app in February 2010 , with developers initially planning to release it on platforms Android and BlackBerry . This strategy could have had a different outcome for the evolution of voice assistants, but the acquisition by Apple fundamentally changed the course of the technology.
See also: Siri will bring faster and more natural responses
Apple acquired Siri in April 2010 and integrated it into the iPhone 4S at its launch on October 4 , 2011 – the day before Steve Jobs ' death . Since the mid-2010s , Siri has faced significant criticism for lacking innovation compared to competitors. Reports have cited limited features, poor voice recognition , and underdeveloped service integrations. This stagnation has become particularly apparent as other companies such as Google and Amazon have invested heavily in developing their own AI assistants , offering more advanced natural language understanding and task-performance capabilities.
The strategic shift towards Google
Siri 's stagnation was attributed to Apple 's focus on user privacy and internal executive infighting that hindered development. While Apple expanded Siri to more devices— iPad and iPod Touch ( 2012 ), Apple TV ( 2015 ), HomePod ( 2018 ), and Apple Vision Pro —the basic assistant remained functionally limited, while Google Assistant and Amazon 's Alexa were rapidly advancing. The company seemed to be lax in its ongoing innovation in AI , focusing more on improving hardware than developing advanced machine learning algorithms.
See also: Apple explains how Siri will work with Gemini technology
In 2025 , Apple announced that a Siri upgrade , based on “ Apple Intelligence ,” would be delayed due to technical challenges . This delay reflected Apple’s struggle to compete in the AI race . The subsequent decision to partner with Google’s Gemini models represents a strategic recognition that in-house development alone cannot close the gap with competitors. This partnership is especially important considering that Google is one of Apple ’s main competitors in multiple areas, from operating systems to cloud services.
Technical challenges and infrastructure requirements
Developing advanced AI models requires massive investments in computing power and datacenter infrastructure. According to data, Apple has generally taken a more conservative approach to infrastructure investments, especially compared to competitors such as Google , Microsoft and Amazon , which are making massive investments to meet the needs of AI demand . Large Language Models (LLMs) such as Gemini require specialized GPU and TPU processors , as well as complex data management systems that can cost billions of dollars. The partnership with Google allows Apple to leverage existing infrastructure without having to invest directly in corresponding facilities.
