Apple is preparing the biggest update to Siri in years, with artificial intelligence at the heart of the changes. The company has been quietly testing a new system that goes beyond Siri’s basic responses. This new version aims to make the assistant more intelligent, versatile, and useful in everyday life, setting the stage for stronger competition in the AI-driven search market.
Introducing World Knowledge Answers
Internally, Apple has labeled the upgrade “World Knowledge Answers.” This tool is designed to pull information directly from the web while generating AI-powered summaries. Instead of only responding with short factual replies, Siri will now mix text, images, videos, and relevant locations. This shift moves Siri closer to the AI-driven search experiences offered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Perplexity, both of which have already begun reshaping user expectations.
Google Gemini Steps Into the Spotlight
Interestingly, Apple is not relying solely on its in-house technology for this update. Reports confirm that the company is testing Google’s Gemini model to power the web-based summaries within Siri. This move could mark a surprising collaboration between two major tech rivals. By adopting Gemini, Apple can quickly leverage Google’s advanced AI capabilities while focusing on refining its assistant for more personalized and dynamic tasks.
Why Apple Needs Gemini Support
Apple has traditionally built its software ecosystem independently, but AI search is a different challenge. Developing a large-scale model that can generate concise, accurate, and engaging summaries requires significant resources and training data. By using Gemini, Apple gains access to a system already proven to deliver AI search results. This decision also highlights Apple’s pragmatic approach, combining its internal models with external technology where necessary.
Also Read: Apple and Google Extend $20 Billion Search Engine Deal
The New Siri Experience
The upgraded Siri will no longer be limited to answering factual questions. Instead, it will integrate with on-device personal data, offering deeper assistance tailored to each user. For instance, Siri could reference what is currently on the screen, provide contextual insights, or suggest relevant actions based on recent activity. This evolution will transform Siri from a basic voice assistant into a powerful AI companion capable of handling complex, real-time queries.
How Siri’s AI Summaries Will Work
According to reports, the upgraded system will involve three major components. A “planner” will interpret the user’s prompts, a search system will scan through data sources, and a summarizer will organize the results into a useful format. This layered approach ensures that Siri can not only locate information but also deliver it in an easily understandable, multimedia-rich way that feels intuitive and engaging for users.
Other AI Models Under Consideration
Although Apple is testing Google’s Gemini, it has not committed exclusively to using it. The company is exploring other options, such as Anthropic’s Claude and different versions of Gemini, for specific functions like planning and summarization. Apple is also expected to rely heavily on its in-house AI models when handling private user data, ensuring that personal information remains secure and does not leave the device.
Competition With AI Search Leaders
Apple’s renewed focus on AI search positions it in direct competition with major players like OpenAI and Perplexity. Both companies have already launched advanced AI assistants that can generate real-time, multimedia-rich answers. To stay relevant, Apple must ensure that Siri not only matches but also exceeds the usability and creativity of its rivals. Integrating Google Gemini could provide a strategic advantage in this increasingly competitive landscape.
Timeline for Siri’s Rollout
While many expected Apple to showcase the upgraded Siri alongside its hardware releases, the company has chosen a different timeline. The iPhone 17 is set to debut next week, but the AI-powered Siri will not appear until iOS 26.4 launches. Reports suggest this update could arrive as early as March, giving Apple more time to refine the technology before making it widely available.
A New Era for Apple’s Voice Assistant
The planned overhaul of Siri represents more than just a technical update. It signals Apple’s commitment to transforming its voice assistant into a full-fledged AI-powered tool capable of handling modern demands. By blending its in-house models with Google’s Gemini and potentially other third-party systems, Apple is positioning Siri for a new era where intelligent, dynamic, and personalized AI-driven search becomes the standard for users worldwide.
