Let’s be real for a second. How many times this week have you asked Siri something simple, only to be met with “Here’s what I found on the web…” or a swift kick over to ChatGPT? If you’re anything like me, it’s probably more times than you’d like to admit.
For over a decade, Siri has been the digital assistant that promised the future but delivered the past. It’s been the butt of jokes, the source of frustration, and a glaring weak spot for a company that prides itself on “it just works.” Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini and other AI models have been lapping the field.
Well, folks, the cavalry is finally coming. But in a plot twist worthy of a tech thriller, it’s wearing Google’s colors.
That’s right. The biggest news in AI this year isn’t a new chatbot. It’s the confirmation that Apple is partnering with its archrival, Google, to power the next generation of Siri. The “big update” we’ve been hearing whispers about? It’s landing in 2026, and it’s being built on Google’s foundation.
On the surface, it sounds hilarious. A $4 trillion company tapping its biggest competitor for help? But when you peel back the layers, this isn’t a sign of surrender. It’s one of the smartest, most pragmatic plays Apple could make. Here’s why.
The Big Picture: Why This Deal Really Matters
At its core, this partnership highlights a tough reality: Apple is struggling to build competitive AI foundation models on its own. Despite being a $4 trillion company, Apple has fallen behind in large language models, especially when compared to Google’s Gemini.
Instead of letting Siri continue to lag—and risk users switching to Android—Apple is doing what it has done before. Just like Safari relies on Google Search, Siri will now rely on Google’s AI foundation models to deliver a better experience.
This isn’t about pride. It’s about keeping users.
Quick Highlights
Apple officially confirms Google AI will power Siri.
Big Siri overhaul expected in 2026
WWDC 2026 likely launch event
Siri may stop handing tasks to ChatGPT.
Google Gemini is seen as a massive upgrade.
Privacy layer still controlled by Apple
Circle to Search could finally arrive on iPhone
Apple focuses on interface, not AI ownership.
OpenAI partnership may become redundant
Main goal: stop users from switching to Android
Partnership Details: What Apple and Google Confirmed
Both Apple and Google have publicly confirmed that Google’s technology will act as the foundation for Apple’s future AI models. This isn’t a rumor or a leak—it’s official.
The “big Siri update” is expected in 2026, with most signs pointing to a WWDC 2026 announcement. What’s interesting is the logic behind this move. Apple isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, it’s following a proven strategy:
Partner with the best, control the experience, and move fast.
Just like Google pays Apple billions to stay the default search engine in Safari, this AI partnership lets Apple deliver top-tier intelligence without building massive AI infrastructure from scratch.
How Siri 2026 Is Expected to Improve (Finally)
If you’ve used Siri recently, you know the pain. Ask anything even slightly complex, and Siri often “kicks out” the request to ChatGPT.
That could change.
With Google’s foundation models integrated:
Siri should handle world knowledge natively.
Multi-step tasks won’t require external apps
Responses should feel faster and more natural.
In short, Siri may finally behave like a modern AI assistant instead of a voice shortcut tool.
Circle to Search on iPhone? This Is Huge
One of the most exciting possibilities is a true “Circle to Search” experience on iPhone.
Right now, iPhone users only have a half-baked workaround involving screenshots. Meanwhile, Pixel and Samsung users enjoy seamless, system-wide visual search—something MKBHD calls one of the most useful AI features of the last five years.
With Google deeply integrated into Siri:
Users could search text or images directly from any screen.
No screenshots, no app switching
Just point, circle, and search
If Apple gets this right, it instantly closes one of Android’s biggest AI advantages.
Apple’s Privacy Play: Still Very On-Brand
Before anyone panics about Google handling iPhone data—slow down.
Apple is expected to build its own privacy-focused layer on top of Google’s models. This follows the same approach Apple used with its ChatGPT integration, where user identity and data were heavily masked.
Key expectations include:
On-device processing where possible
Apple-controlled data flow
No direct user profiling by Google
So while Google provides the brains, Apple controls the walls.
Interface Over Model: Apple’s Real Strategy
MKBHD makes a sharp observation here: Apple doesn’t need to own the AI model—it needs to own the interface.
Think of tools like Raycast on Mac. You can switch between GPT, Claude, or Gemini, but the interface stays the same. Apple wants to be that interface for mobile AI.
In this setup:
Google builds the engine.
Apple designs the steering wheel.
Users never leave the iPhone.
And from a business perspective, that’s incredibly smart.
What This Says About Apple’s AI Struggles
Let’s be honest—Apple has been spinning its wheels with Siri for years. Features were announced and delayed, and in some cases, ads were pulled because Apple couldn’t deliver on time.
Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini is now comfortably considered in the top three in the LLM space, making it a massive leap forward compared to Siri’s current state.
This partnership isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a reset.
What Happens to OpenAI and ChatGPT?
Right now, Siri relies on ChatGPT for complex tasks. But once Google’s models are fully integrated, that partnership may no longer make sense.
MKBHD suggests:
The OpenAI deal could become redundant.
Siri may stop “kicking out” requests entirely.
Apple could simplify its AI stack to one core partner.
Nothing is officially confirmed here, but a gradual phase-out wouldn’t be surprising.
The Bottom Line: A Necessary Intervention
Let’s call it what it is. This partnership is an intervention for a company that has been spinning its wheels on AI for years. They’ve even had to pull ads for features Siri couldn’t deliver. It’s a moment of stark humility from a notoriously proud company.
But in that humility lies genius.
By 2026, iPhone users won’t care if Siri’s new brain came from Cupertino or Mountain View. They’ll care that it finally, finally understands them. They’ll care that they can circle that weird bug on their screen and find out what it is. They’ll care that their phone feels smart again.
Apple isn’t losing the AI war with this move. They’re strategically drafting behind the leader so they can cross the finish line with their users still firmly in hand. They’re playing the long game, and for anyone tired of a dumb Siri, that’s the best news we’ve had in years.
The wait until 2026 will be agonizing. But for the first time in a long time, the light at the end of Siri’s tunnel isn’t an oncoming train. It’s Google’s searchlights, and Apple is smart enough to hitch a ride.
What’s the one thing you wish the new Siri could do? Let me know in the comments below—maybe someone in Cupertino (or Mountain View) is listening.
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