For more than a decade since its launch, Siri has been considered one of the pioneering virtual assistants in the world. When Apple first introduced Siri in 2011, it was a major turning point in the field of voice interaction. However, after initial impressions, Siri gradually became seen as inflexible, slow to innovate, and was surpassed by competitors such as Google Assistant or Alexa in both intelligence and integration.

As the era of artificial intelligence (AI) explodes with advanced language models, especially from late 2022, many people expect Apple to make a leap in this field. However, until iOS 18 is introduced with Apple Intelligence, a disappointing reality is that Siri has not had the breakthrough upgrades that users are waiting for. Meanwhile, rival Google has just launched Pixel 10 with the powerful AI assistant Gemini, capable of natural conversation, understanding context and performing complex commands based on users' personal data. It is in this context that a piece of information from Bloomberg has sparked many interesting speculations: Apple and Google are negotiating the possibility of AI cooperation, in which Siri on iPhone can directly use Gemini to become a smarter and more personalized virtual assistant than ever.

1. Unexpected negotiations between Apple and Google

According to Bloomberg, Apple and Google are in the early stages of exploring AI collaboration options. This is surprising news because for many years, the two tech giants have been considered direct competitors on many fronts, from mobile operating systems to cloud services and hardware. However, times have changed and AI seems to be opening up a completely new landscape.

The report says Google has been experimenting with training a version of its Gemini model that could run directly on Apple’s servers and be deeply integrated into Siri. This would be an unprecedented collaboration: Apple’s virtual assistant would be powered in part by Google’s core technology.

Interestingly, Apple has previously considered similar options with OpenAI and Anthropic. However, Google’s Gemini has a distinct advantage: the ability to integrate directly and deeply into the iOS platform thanks to its existing experience developing AI services for Android.

This partnership, if realized, would not only add a powerful AI model to Siri, but also show that Apple is ready to break down traditional barriers in its “build it all” philosophy.

2. Security advantages according to Apple philosophy

One of the things that keeps Apple users loyal is the ability to protect personal data. Apple has long made privacy a core part of its business philosophy. So when it comes to using third-party AI technology like Gemini, the biggest question is: how do you keep your data safe?

According to Bloomberg, the version of Gemini that Google is testing on Apple servers will run in an environment called Private Cloud Compute, an advanced security solution that Apple developed to handle complex AI tasks in the cloud while ensuring that no personal data is shared outside.

Private Cloud Compute is designed to offer “a higher level of security” than the Gemini instances Google offers on its own platform. This means that any user data handled will adhere to Apple’s strict privacy philosophy: information is encrypted, not stored long-term, and not used to train external AI models.

If successfully deployed, Siri with Gemini will have superior AI power but still retain the security advantages that are Apple's "brand".

3. Two parallel Siri versions Linwood and Glenwood

Another source revealed that Apple is working on two new versions of Siri at the same time. The first version, codenamed Linwood, will use AI models developed by Apple itself. The second version, codenamed Glenwood, is designed to run on external AI technology, possibly including Google's Gemini.

Apple’s parallel development of two versions of Siri suggests that the company has not yet made a final decision. While a partnership with Google is under consideration, Apple wants to maintain some control by continuing to develop its internal models. This is a smart strategy to avoid being completely dependent on one competitor.

However, experts say that Apple's decision will depend largely on the speed and quality of its internal AI development. Apple Intelligence has been introduced in iOS 18, but Siri, which is at the heart of the iPhone AI experience, still lacks important upgrades such as the ability to perform complex actions based on personal data. This shows that Apple is struggling to deploy AI at the level that users expect.

4. Challenges in Apple's AI development

Bloomberg and several other tech sites have cited internal AI development chaos as the main reason Apple is considering using a third-party model.

While Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are releasing new AI products at a rapid pace, Apple seems to be more cautious and somewhat slow. Some insiders say Apple’s AI team is struggling to implement advanced features like deep natural language processing, multimodal content creation, and cross-app actions.

Google's launch of the Pixel 10 with Gemini, which supports the same advanced AI features Apple promised for Siri, has put a lot of pressure on Apple, and it reinforces the possibility that Google's AI can work well on iOS if integrated properly.

If the Apple-Google partnership goes through, Siri could enter a whole new era. Imagine Siri on the iPhone not only understanding simple commands, but being able to converse naturally like a real person, understanding context, knowing your calendar, messages, emails, and performing complex actions on demand.

For example, you could say, “Siri, book a flight to Paris next weekend, pick a window seat, and tell your boss about the vacation.” Gemini can handle all of that through Siri by accessing the necessary data (under Apple’s security controls) and getting the job done.

Additionally, Siri with Gemini can become a powerful learning and creativity tool. Like ChatGPT or other AI assistants, Siri can write emails, summarize documents, compose content, and even assist with programming. All personalized to the user's style and needs.

Another point worth noting is that Apple may be considering offering Gemini as an alternative to ChatGPT in its current Apple Intelligence. Apple has previously partnered with OpenAI to provide some ChatGPT-based features. However, if Gemini proves effective and has deeper integration capabilities, Apple could definitely switch gears.

This would put Apple in a similar position to Samsung, where Galaxy AI on Galaxy devices is largely based on a combination of custom and Gemini models. If this shift happens, it would create a new landscape in the industry: multi-platform AI, more flexible and fiercely competitive.

Apple’s consideration of “ceding” some of its AI technology to a competitor like Google is seen as a departure from the company’s tradition of being closed-minded. Historically, Apple has preferred to develop core technologies in-house to control the entire user experience.

However, the reality of AI development is much more complicated than previous generations of technology. To build an AI model that can compete with Gemini or ChatGPT, Apple will need to invest a huge amount of infrastructure, human resources, and time. Meanwhile, users increasingly expect powerful AI experiences right on their devices.

Therefore, cooperating with Google can be considered a "shortcut" solution for Apple, helping Siri catch up with AI trends without having to spend too much time on internal development.

5. The Future of AI on iPhone

If Siri is integrated with Gemini, iPhone users will have a more powerful personalized AI assistant than ever. This will not only improve the experience on iOS but also help Apple maintain its competitiveness with Android in the AI ​​era.

But the challenge is not small. Apple must balance the power of outside technology with maintaining its core value of privacy. In addition, it must also face debates about “dependence” on rival technology.

However, it can be said that the explosion of AI has completely changed the game. The old barriers of competitors and allies are gradually being erased. What is more important is to bring the best experience to users, and this may be the biggest motivation for Apple and Google to consider cooperation.

6. Conclusion

What’s happening now suggests that Siri may be about to enter its most dramatic transformation since its launch. Apple may still keep Siri as an “Apple” product, but the power behind it may come from Google and the Gemini model.

If this vision comes true, iPhone users will have an AI assistant that is smarter, more flexible, and more personalized than ever. At the same time, it will also usher in a new era in the technology industry, where traditional competitors are willing to cooperate for the benefit of users and as the AI ​​race becomes more fierce. Whatever Apple’s final decision, one thing is certain: AI will be at the heart of the technology experience in the next decade, and Siri with Gemini may be one of the clearest demonstrations of that change.