The New Siri is... Google (Explained)
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
The big Siri update is coming in 2026, powered by Google. This was a rumor for a while. Apple has been spinning their wheels, and Siri continued to underperform. Nine months ago, a video analyzed Apple's AI crisis in depth (linked below). Apple and Google confirmed Apple will partner with Google because Apple hasn't figured out AI.
After careful evaluation, we've determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple foundation models, and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users.
Apple's statement is vanilla but interesting. Questions remain, with answers likely at Apple's WWDC in June, when they'll formally announce the revamped Siri.
This is big news for a $4 trillion tech company assumed to be on the bleeding edge. It signals Apple is losing the AI race. Apple doesn't blame them—Siri has been bad, and it took longer than expected to deliver features from ads they had to delete. Partnering makes sense.
Google has paid Apple billions to be the default search engine in Safari. Apple doesn't make a search engine but partners for the best one available for users (despite antitrust issues). Similarly, Siri is bad, so Apple partners with Google, likely paying them (terms unknown), to use Google's models as a foundation.
News because Apple chose Google over competitors like ChatGPT or OpenAI. Apple recently partnered with OpenAI—Siri kicks out to ChatGPT for complex requests needing world knowledge or multi-step processes. If Google's foundation models beef up Siri, it won't need ChatGPT anymore. The OpenAI partnership's future is unknown.
Promise of big Siri update powered by Google's models in 2026, likely at WWDC 2026—two years after original announcement.
How good will it be? Gemini on Android is really good, incorporating Google Assistant features. Google's models are top three (with GPT and Claude). Apple will build on foundation models for deeper understanding.
Apple will customize with privacy focus. ChatGPT integration preserved privacy without always sending data. Using Google models doesn't mean kicking to Google—models can run on-device. Interesting to see customizations, like expanding half-circle to search in Apple Intelligence (screenshot, highlight, Google image search) to full Android-style circle to search (circle screen elements for text/image search, locations, signs).
Headlines mock Apple for partnering, but who owns models may not matter as much as who controls the interface. Example: Raycast on Mac replaces Spotlight (which has been poor). Handles file finding, translations, conversions, window management, and AI chat. Pro version has dropdown to pick any AI model (ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, etc.). Interface is Raycast, so it retains users.
Apple keeps users on iPhone. This prevents switching to Android (Pixel/Samsung) for AI features. Matches Android experiences, boosts PR with improved Siri.
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