According to a new report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple's Siri overhaul may include an AI-powered web search tool with technology powered by Google's Gemini. The iPhone maker, who has been criticized for falling behind in the AI race, has delayed the long-awaited SIRI update until 2026. Meanwhile, the company is in a hurry to determine whether its AI model alone will work well enough to compete with an upgraded SIRI engine with AI answer engines available from technology companies such as OpenAI, Perperxity, Google.
According to Bloomberg, Apple could turn to Google in search of a solution to the problem. The report claims that Apple and Google have reached a formal agreement this week that will see Apple test the Google AI model with SIRI. If successful, the technology can also be used in other areas of iPhone software, such as the Safari browser available on the home screen and Spotlight search.
Over the past few years, Spotlight appeared to be on the rise to become a rival of Google's kind as iPhone users can bypass web searches and get basic answers on popular topics, such as information on actors, musicians, TV shows, movies and more. However, AI chatbots allow consumers to easily answer a wide range of topics beyond what Wikipedia has.
This report suggests that the upgraded search experience interface uses a combination of text, photos, videos, and local interest points, as well as AI-powered summary capabilities. You can also use your personal data to allow you to navigate your device via voice.