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Apple’s long-awaited AI-powered Siri upgrade may finally arrive with iOS 26.4 this spring after several delays. However, a new report suggests that Apple’s next-generation assistant might not be entirely homegrown.
According to reports, Apple is quietly working with Google to integrate custom Gemini AI models into Siri. The models will reportedly operate on Apple’s private cloud servers, ensuring user privacy while boosting Siri’s intelligence and performance. In essence, Apple is said to be paying Google to develop a tailored Gemini-based model for its ecosystem.
Sources claim Apple tested multiple large language models, including Anthropic’s Claude, during development. While Claude reportedly outperformed Gemini in several benchmarks, Apple ultimately chose Google due to financial and strategic reasons. The two companies already maintain a long-standing partnership, as Google pays Apple billions to remain the default search engine on its devices. The new deal could adjust those payments in exchange for AI integration rights.
Neither Apple nor Google is expected to publicly confirm this collaboration, and the Gemini name likely won’t appear in marketing. Instead, Apple will present the upgraded Siri as its own AI advancement, continuing its strategy of keeping internal partnerships under wraps.
If the reports are accurate, iOS 26.4 could mark a major leap for Siri, powered quietly by Google’s Gemini but branded entirely as Apple’s innovation.
