Apple is preparing a major Siri update: the company is testing Google Gemini integration to turn the voice assistant into a full-fledged web search tool. The feature is scheduled to launch in spring 2026.
Apple is preparing a major Siri update: the company is testing Google Gemini integration to turn the voice assistant into a full-fledged web search tool. The feature is scheduled to launch in spring 2026.
According to TechCrunch, Apple is working on a system called World Knowledge Answers that would allow users to get answers directly in Siri — similar to ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overviews. The new technology could also appear in Safari and Spotlight.
The key feature is that instead of its own models, Apple plans to use a third-party solution — Google Gemini. The companies have already agreed to test the model: it should provide generalization of results, combine text, photos and videos, as well as tips about local objects.
Previously, Anthropic was the favorite in the negotiations with its Claude model, which Apple considered to be of higher quality. However, according to insiders, Anthropic asked for more than $1.5 billion per year for the use of the technology. Google was ready for more flexible terms, so Apple changed its priority.
However, the company plans to retain its own Apple Foundation Models for searching user data to ensure privacy. The new Siri search will work in conjunction with voice control features and personalized access to content on the screen.
The release is planned as part of the iOS 26.4 update in spring 2026. Apple will first launch basic Siri capabilities in September with the release of the iPhone 17, but without major AI features.
Apple’s deal with Google to use the latter as its default search engine brings Apple about $20 billion a year. A US court recently allowed it to remain in place with minimal changes. This means the company is in no hurry to abandon the partnership completely, but is developing its own AI tools in parallel.
Apple also considered buying startups Perplexity and Mistral, but has now opted to partner with Google. Meanwhile, the company is experiencing a staff exodus from its Foundation Models division, with key researchers moving to Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic, pushing Apple toward external partnerships.
Siri could now become more than just a voice assistant, but also a «responsible search engine» in the new era of AI. However, the outcome will depend on how effectively the company can combine third-party models with its own developments.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how Bloomberg revealed internal problems at Apple that led to delays in the development of Apple Intelligence and the failed launch of the updated Siri. The main reasons were management skepticism about investing in AI, internal conflicts, and technical difficulties in integrating new features into an outdated system.
