Apple is in early discussions with Google about using its Gemini artificial intelligence to power a new version of Siri, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
People familiar with the matter said Apple has approached Google to explore building a custom Gemini model that could run on Apple’s servers. While no decision has been made, the talks mark a potential shift toward outsourcing more of Apple’s AI work.
Apple has been trying to catch up in generative AI after falling behind rivals. Earlier this year, it also spoke with Anthropic and OpenAI about whether Claude or ChatGPT could form the basis of Siri.
Sources told Bloomberg that Apple is currently running a “bake-off,” developing one Siri version using its own models and another relying on outside technology.
A Siri upgrade had been planned for this past spring but was delayed until next year due to engineering issues. The project is now overseen by Craig Federighi and Mike Rockwell, with Apple considering external help as one way to speed up progress.
Google already provides AI services to partners like Samsung and pays Apple billions each year to remain the default search engine on iPhones. That relationship, however, is under antitrust scrutiny in the U.S.
According to Gurman, Apple has not ruled out sticking with its own models, but management sees the need to “win in AI.” Apple CEO Tim Cook recently told employees the company is investing more heavily, noting Apple may be late but can still deliver a superior product.
Apple, please just bring some real AI smarts to Siri and the iPhone, soon. People are tired of waiting.
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