Google Confirms Gemini-Powered Siri Launching This Year
▼ Summary
– Google Cloud chief Thomas Kurian confirmed at Google Cloud Next 2026 that Gemini technology will power a more personalized version of Siri, set for release later in 2026.
– Apple has already committed to a 2026 launch for the new Siri features, initially delaying them in March 2025 and reaffirming the timeline in February 2026.
– Rumors indicate Apple planned a spring 2026 release but faced accuracy issues, with no specific launch date beyond a 2026 window; a first look may come in iOS 27.
– Kurian reiterated that Google Cloud is Apple’s “preferred cloud provider,” though it remains unclear if the Gemini-powered Siri will use Private Cloud Compute or Google’s servers.
– Apple has asked Google to investigate setting up servers in Google data centers to handle increased cloud usage expected from the smarter Siri launch.
Google has officially confirmed its role in powering the next generation of Siri, with the tech giant stating that its Gemini technology will drive a more personalized version of the voice assistant launching later this year. The announcement came from Google Cloud chief Thomas Kurian during the Google Cloud Next 2026 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he addressed the company’s partnership with Apple.
Kurian described the collaboration as a “monumental partnership with one of the most iconic brands,” emphasizing that Google is working as Apple’s preferred cloud provider to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation Models. These models, built on Gemini technology, will support future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri slated for release in 2026.
While Kurian’s remarks offer a fresh endorsement of the partnership, they do not reveal new details about the timeline. Apple has already committed to a 2026 launch for the upgraded Siri. When the smarter Siri was first delayed in March 2025, Apple stated it would arrive “in the coming year.” By late 2025, the company had narrowed that window to some point in 2026, and in February 2026, Apple confirmed to CNBC that the update remains on track for this year.
Rumors suggest Apple initially aimed for a spring 2026 release but encountered accuracy issues, forcing internal schedule adjustments. However, since Apple never specified a precise launch date beyond the year, the update is not considered delayed. Apple has until December 31, 2026 to introduce the new Siri, though a first glimpse could come with iOS 27.
Kurian’s use of the phrase “preferred cloud provider” echoes Google’s earlier language, but it remains unclear whether the new Siri and Gemini-powered Apple Intelligence features will rely on Private Cloud Compute or run on Google’s servers. Apple has reportedly asked Google to explore setting up servers in its data centers to handle the anticipated surge in cloud usage when the smarter Siri launches.
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which begins June 8, 2026. More details about Siri’s evolution are likely to emerge at that event.
(Source: MacRumors)
