Google Cloud: CEO hints at Siri's Gemini integration timeline
It hasn't been officially confirmed when Google's AI technology will be integrated into Siri. A first hint now came from Thomas Kurian, head of Google Cloud.
Thomas Kurian at Google Cloud Next '26: Apple name-dropping.
(Image: Google Cloud)
The new improved Siri, which uses Google's AI technology, will be implemented by Apple later this year. This information comes not from the iPhone manufacturer itself but from Google Cloud. Thomas Kurian, head of Alphabet's enterprise division, which competes with Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services, stated at the keynote of the in-house trade fair Google Cloud Next 2026 in Las Vegas that they had concluded a “monumental partnership with one of the most iconic brands.” “This will make the power of our technology accessible to users around the world.” Google Cloud is Apple's preferred cloud provider and will operate “a more personalized Siri” with the company's Gemini models in 2026.
“Later this year”
Kurian did not give an exact date but officially spoke of “later this year.” Apple had not yet officially commented on its timeline, which is only expected at the WWDC 2026 developer conference in June. At the WWDC announcement, the company had already mentioned news in the AI sector.
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Apple Intelligence was first rolled out for certain users in autumn 2024, with Germany following in spring 2025. Since then, not much has really happened. A context-aware Siri that knows the user's personal data has not yet been implemented, nor has Siri control of the iPhone. Apple had postponed the functions several times.
Gemini as the foundation
Originally, it was planned for Apple Intelligence and Siri to be based entirely on Apple's own models. However, Apple Foundation models are considered not competitive. Considering this, Apple decided to seek Google's help. Adapted versions of the Gemini models are now intended to form the basis. Apple is reportedly paying around one billion US dollars a year for this, although the company earns twenty times that amount from a search partnership with Google alone.
Google had previously expressed its “pride” in brokering the deal. However, Apple plans not to specifically advertise the Gemini integration. Instead, the company is focused on the technical foundation to improve Siri (finally). iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 (as well as the other Apple operating systems of the new model year) are expected in the fall. A preview is likely at WWDC.
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(bsc)