Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to power its upgraded Siri voice assistant using Google’s Gemini AI. This potential deal could significantly shift the AI search landscape, blending two tech giants’ strengths in hardware and AI innovation. With iOS 18 on the horizon, this partnership could redefine how we interact with devices and how AI search evolves.
Apple’s New AI Direction: An Overview
At WWDC 2025, Apple introduced its AI strategy called Apple Intelligence, built into iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and iPadOS 18. While Apple’s on-device AI shows promise, reports suggest Apple is seeking a cloud-based AI partner to handle more complex tasks and Google’s Gemini is a front-runner.
According to multiple sources, Apple is finalizing a deal with Google to integrate Gemini into Siri for advanced features like:
- AI-powered summaries
- Context-aware responses
- Smarter app integration
- Voice-based AI search
Why Apple Might Choose Google’s Gemini
Apple and Google have collaborated before – most notably, Google Search is the default search engine on Safari (for which Google reportedly pays billions annually). A deal to use Gemini inside Siri would:
- Save development time: Apple doesn’t need to build a large language model (LLM) from scratch.
- Match competition: Samsung’s Galaxy AI already uses Gemini for features like translation and summarization.
- Focus on UX: Apple can focus on delivering a refined user experience, while Google powers the intelligence.
Other contenders included OpenAI’s ChatGPT (which Apple will offer as an option in iOS 18) and Anthropic’s Claude, but Gemini offers broader scalability and native Android integration, an advantage for future cross-platform features.
What This Means for AI Search
If Apple integrates Gemini, it will impact how AI search functions across millions of iPhones:
- Voice search evolution: Siri becomes more than a basic assistant, it becomes a powerful AI search interface.
- Answer engine integration: Gemini can return conversational answers, not just web links.
- Increased traffic to AI-powered results: Publishers and content creators must optimize for LLMs, not just traditional SEO.
This would also challenge tools like ChatGPT with browsing, Perplexity, and You.com, positioning Apple as a gateway to AI search, without building the engine itself.
What to Expect Next
While nothing is confirmed yet, insiders suggest that:
- The Gemini-Siri integration may be announced by late 2025.
- iOS 18 will launch with ChatGPT integration first, followed by Gemini once the deal is finalized.
- Users may be able to choose their preferred AI model, similar to choosing a default search engine.
Apple has also hinted that it might work with multiple AI partners, giving users flexibility in how they interact with Siri or search from their devices.
Final Thoughts
If Apple finalizes a deal with Google, Siri could become the most advanced voice assistant available, thanks to Gemini’s AI power. This move won’t just boost Siri’s intelligence; it could reshape how AI search is accessed by billions worldwide.
As competition in the AI space heats up, one thing is clear: Apple isn’t building a search engine, but it’s making sure Siri becomes the AI assistant people actually want to use.
