Summary
- Apple is reportedly planning to keep the Google Gemini and Siri deal short.
- It is developing its own AI server chips and is expected to independently deploy Siri's AI capabilities as soon as 2027.
- With Google Gemini, Siri is expected to perform day-to-day AI actions smoothly and understand emotions deeply.
It is now widely known that Apple has entered into a multi-year contract to let Google Gemini fuel Siri's comeback. The Cupertino brand will borrow Gemini models and cloud technology to unlock a host of new AI features for Siri. However, it plans to keep this communion short-lived.
Apple's Google Gemini deal buys it time for an independent Siri
Seasoned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the recent Google Gemini-powered Siri deal is not here to stay for long. Apple has reportedly been forced to enter this partnership to avoid another disappointing WWDC announcement in 2026.
He further adds that with Gemini, Apple wants to enter the AI race and ship the long-awaited Siri overhaul. However, it is hard at work prepping its own AI-focused server chips. These are expected to be mass-produced by mid-2026 and deployed by 2027.
If true, this will make Apple more than self-reliant in hosting and powering Apple Intelligence capabilities without the need for Google. So, the new deal not only allows the brand to manage expectations both internally and at the consumer level, but it also buys it time to progress behind the scenes.
An interesting thing to note about Kuo's claim is that the Google Blog post mentions a "multi-year collaboration" between the two brands. This means that both parties have mutually agreed on a tenure that is more than a year. So, it is clear at the time of writing how exactly Apple plans to back out of this deal in the span of just one year.
Siri will achieve its true AI potential with Google Gemini
Now, while Kuo has outlined how short-lived the deal will be, tech publication The Information has shed light on what exactly this deal will mean for Siri. For starters, it believes that this new partnership will not let Google overshadow Apple.
Siri will still have the same familiar Apple-style interface and modus operandi. Only the brains will be of Google Gemini. This will allow Apple's in-house assistant to become more context-aware and critical in its responses.
The report uses the example that if any user asks Siri to contact someone who isn't saved on their device, the assistant will struggle. However, in its improved state, Siri will process the request and will be able to scan messages and gain context understanding to fulfil the request.
Similarly, Google Gemini is said to make Siri more human-like. This is one area where Siri has historically struggled. The new Siri will be able to respond with thorough output and human-level concern if a person tells the AI assistant he or she is feeling lonely or disheartened.
So, it is clear that Apple wants to bridge the much-needed gap that exists today between regular Siri commands and the more sought-after AI capabilities. This is precisely the role that Gemini is playing. It is that bridge. However, it doesn't mean a permanent place for Google. Since right now, there is no model of this upgrade, it is hard to comment on how exactly things will work. The report claims that some features will arrive in spring 2026. While some will be showcased in June 2026 at the WWDC event.
