Apple gives up and lets Google take the AI wheel – Gemini will officially power Siri’s big AI upgrade this year

Apple eats a large slice of humble pie

News By Rowan Davies published 12 January 2026

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• Apple and Google say they've entered a multi-year AI partnership
• Joint statement says Apple's next foundation models will run on Google AI
• This will include the next-gen version of Siri, due later this year

We’re still waiting patiently for the arrival of Apple’s AI-powered version of Siri, but a new deal with Google could mean that the upgraded voice assistant is one step closer to launching.

In a joint statement given to CNBC (which we've also now received), Apple and Google say they're about to enter a multi-year partnership. Apple will use Google's AI models to power artificial intelligence features, including a next-gen Siri later this year.

"Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year," the surprise joint statement reads.

Even more surprising is that Apple has publicly admitted that Google's AI tools are simply a step above its own. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards," the joint statement concluded.

Embarrassing for Apple, good news for iPhone fans

We can’t say that we’re entirely surprised that it’s come to this. Late last year, we reported that Gemini may be the only way for Apple’s AI Siri voice to see the light of day following rumors sparked by Mark Gurman at Bloomberg. Gurman first reported on this rumor in August 2025, then doubled down on his findings a few months after.

Apple first unveiled its plans to launch an AI-upgraded Siri during WWDC 2024 where it announced its multi-modal Apple Intelligence platform, which offers a slew of generative AI tools for image editing, organization, and functions such as your standard AI search summaries. It was set for a 2025 launch, but here we are in 2026 without it.

It’s been a bit of a rocky road for the next-gen Siri. Following Apple’s WWDC 2025 event, the company delayed its launch and promised a spring 2026 launch. Between now and then, a handful of Apple’s competitors have taken the AI world by storm, including Google’s upgrades for Gemini for Home. Amazon has also dipped its toe into the AI waters with the launch of Alexa+, which has recently launched on the web.

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