Apple to lean to Google for Siri revamp, Gemini set to be the brain

Apple is set to enhance its voice assistant, Siri, by incorporating Google’s Gemini technology, according to a recent report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This anticipated upgrade aims to revitalize Siri, which has faced criticism for its performance, by leveraging advanced AI capabilities. In addition to the Siri improvements, Apple plans to introduce an AI-driven web search feature powered by Gemini. Earlier this year, Apple reportedly evaluated AI models from Anthropic and Google, ultimately deciding that Gemini provided a more favorable financial arrangement despite Anthropic's Claude models being deemed superior in performance. Apple currently maintains a partnership with Google, which includes having Google's search engine as the default on iPhones. The company is now investing in a custom Gemini-based model designed to operate on its private cloud infrastructure. However, Gurman clarifies that the integration of Gemini will not inundate iPhones with the AI functionalities commonly found on Android devices. Instead, Siri will utilize a tailored model that offers expected AI features within the familiar Apple framework. Looking ahead, Apple is targeting a March release for the revamped Siri, coinciding with the launch of new smart home products. The Siri overhaul was initially showcased at Apple’s WWDC 2024, where the company highlighted the voice assistant's potential for on-screen awareness, understanding personal context, and executing cross-app actions. While these advancements could enable Siri to function as a 'hands-free' controller for the iPhone, the assistant has increasingly relied on ChatGPT for more complex user inquiries amidst growing competition from emerging AI startups. In addition to the Siri update, Apple plans to unveil major updates to its software, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 at the upcoming WWDC event next year. These new versions are expected to feature significant enhancements to Apple’s AI capabilities and overall strategy. As Apple prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2024, the company has a series of significant product launches in the pipeline. Among the highlights is the anticipated introduction of its first foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut at the September launch event. This innovative device is rumored to feature Apple's proprietary C2 chip, moving away from Qualcomm's modem technology.