Apple's New Siri Quietly Leans on Google Gemini
Apple's revamped Siri AI debuted at WWDC 2026, and Google Gemini plays a bigger role behind the scenes than most expected this year.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's new Siri AI runs on Apple Foundation Models that were refined using Google Gemini techniques.
- Apple routes cloud requests through Private Cloud Compute, saying user data is not shared with Google or Apple.
- Apple frames Siri as an integrated conversational tool, not a chatbot, and rules out ads based on personal context.
Apple unveiled a heavily upgraded Siri AI at its WWDC 2026 keynote, marking the assistant's biggest change in years. The reveal matters because Google Gemini quietly powers parts of it, reshaping how Apple builds its AI.
According to Android Central, Apple's new Siri and Apple Intelligence features are indirectly powered by Google's Gemini technology. Apple says these experiences run on its own Apple Foundation Models, though those models were refined using Gemini techniques.
Apple's AI chief, Subramanya, explained the experience is built on four Apple Foundation Models. The base AFM Core handles on-device tasks, while AFM Cloud and AFM Cloud Image handle more demanding cloud requests.
Apple emphasizes that the models run on-device whenever possible, per Android Central. When cloud processing is needed, requests route through Apple's Private Cloud Compute infrastructure instead.
According to Android Central, Apple says that approach means user data isn't shared with Google or Apple itself. Apple later clarified that iOS 27 does not directly use Gemini apps or Google's client-side code.
The privacy framing reappeared during a press Q&A reported by Tom's Guide. Sebastian Marineau-Mes said Apple worked with Google and Nvidia to extend Private Cloud Compute to Nvidia GPUs in Google's cloud.
Apple also insists the new Siri is not a chatbot, despite shipping as a dedicated app. Craig Federighi told Tom's Guide that Apple sees Siri as an integral but conversational tool, not a chatbot.
Federighi said the dedicated app exists so users can return to a past conversation and reference it later. He described the app as the most natural way for people to find and continue earlier exchanges.
Tom's Guide reported a live demo where Mike Rockwell asked Siri what guests were bringing to a potluck lunch. Siri gathered details from separate text messages, then used Apple's World Knowledge Service to suggest drink pairings.
Apple executives also drew a sharp line against advertising tied to personal context. Rockwell said users stay in control and will not see ads based on inferred preferences like food tastes.
CNET praised Apple's WWDC 2026 tone for speaking to ordinary people rather than wealthy buyers. The keynote highlighted developer academies, parental controls, and features designed to run well on older iPhones.
CNET noted one demo asked Siri to find tickets to a free concert with a raffle entry. Another demo used Siri to plan a World Cup watch party at home rather than buying costly tickets.
CNET also observed that iOS 27 will include features tuned to perform smoothly on older devices. That framing signaled Apple's awareness that many users cannot upgrade their iPhones right away.
The real test now is whether the upgraded Siri performs as well as Apple's polished demos suggested. Android Central noted that judging the implementation will require more hands-on time with iOS 27.
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The Mixstackrr Team is a group of writers and editors with more than 10 years of combined experience in SEO and consumer tech. We test devices, dig through settings, and turn everyday tech problems into clear, step-by-step guides anyone can follow.
