Apple plans to announce a new version of its Siri assistant powered by Google’s Gemini AI models in the second half of February, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman.
This update marks the first Siri version to fulfill Apple’s June 2024 promises, enabling it to complete tasks by accessing users’ personal data and on-screen content. A larger AI upgrade will follow at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
The new Siri will adopt a more conversational style similar to chatbots like ChatGPT and may run directly on Google’s cloud infrastructure. The announcement stems from Apple’s recently revealed AI partnership with Google.
Prior reports indicated Apple had struggled with its AI strategy. Over the summer, Apple executive Mike Rockwell told foundation model team members that one of Gurman’s earlier reports was “bulls–t.” The partnership coincides with the recent departure of Apple’s AI chief John Giannandrea.
