Having hit roadblocks in the development of its in-house large model for Siri, Apple has pivoted its approach. The tech giant is now paying Google to develop a bespoke large language model grounded in Gemini. This move aims to overcome AI R&D challenges and rectify deficiencies in managing intricate AI tasks.

Siri currently utilizes a hybrid approach that combines "on-device and cloud-based" processing for AI tasks. This strategy capitalizes on the strengths of large models while safeguarding user data privacy. The enhanced Siri boasts three fundamental components: a "Query Planner", a "Knowledge Search System", and a "Summarizer".

Apple has outlined a phased rollout for the new features. In spring 2026, the iOS 26.4 update will introduce in-app voice control and other functionalities. Then, at the WWDC event in June 2026, the iOS 27 update will make its debut, bringing with it a host of AI technological advancements that promise to redefine the Siri experience.