Apple is taking a hands-on approach to its upcoming Siri overhaul, powered by Google’s Gemini AI, ensuring full control over the final product despite the high-profile partnership. According to sources within the project, Apple will independently fine-tune Gemini to its own specifications and will not include any Google or Gemini branding in the new Siri experience.
Gemini as a Foundation, Not a Takeover
The deal with Google positions Gemini as a foundational element, rather than a complete, off-the-shelf solution. Apple intends to leverage Gemini’s large language model (LLM) capabilities while retaining the freedom to modify and customize the AI assistant to fit its ecosystem.
This is crucial because Apple has always prioritized user privacy and device control — a key differentiator from rivals. The new Siri will run either directly on Apple devices or on Apple’s own cloud servers, meaning no data sharing with Google. To make this possible, Google reportedly invested heavily in a Gemini variant optimized for Apple’s infrastructure.
Next-Level Siri: Conversational AI and Contextual Understanding
The upgraded Siri will be able to handle more complex requests. It will contextualize vague queries by referencing user data (like contact names in messages) and generate content on demand. The goal is to make Siri more conversational, providing general knowledge and emotional support similar to other AI assistants like ChatGPT.
Apple Still Backs OpenAI, But Tests Show Limited Use
While Apple announced it would rely on Gemini for the major upgrade, the company will continue routing complex queries through ChatGPT. However, internal testing shows minimal traffic directed toward OpenAI’s platform. This suggests Apple is leaning heavily into Gemini as its primary AI solution.
Why this matters: Apple’s move demonstrates its commitment to competing with Google and OpenAI in the AI space without surrendering control. The company is strategically leveraging external AI models while ensuring that the final user experience aligns with its brand and privacy standards. This approach could set a precedent for how tech giants integrate third-party AI without sacrificing ownership of their core products.
