Google confirms Gemini will power redesigned Siri in iOS 27, releasing fall 2026

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian confirmed during the Cloud Next '26 opening keynote on April 22 that Google is collaborating with Apple to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini technology. These models will power a redesigned Siri experience launching with iOS 27 in fall 2026.

"We're collaborating with Apple as their preferred cloud provider to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini technology," Kurian said on stage. "These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming later this year."

Partnership timeline and release schedule

Google first announced the partnership with Apple in a joint statement on January 12, 2026. Apple is expected to preview the first Gemini-powered features at WWDC 2026 on June 8, with developer and public beta releases following in June and July. The official release is planned for September 2026 as part of iOS 27.

This marks a significant delay from Apple's original timeline. The company first announced a Siri overhaul at WWDC 2024, initially expected to ship with iOS 18. Those features were subsequently pushed to iOS 27.

Expected Siri features

According to reports, the redesigned Siri will include:

• A standalone Siri app
• Persistent chat logs
• A more traditional chatbot-like interface
• Ability to parse and execute multiple actions from a single command
• Enhanced personalization capabilities

Apple has not disclosed technical specifications for the Apple Foundation Models, including parameter count, context window size, or benchmark performance. Pricing details for API access to these models have not been announced.

What this means

This partnership represents a major strategic shift for Apple, which has historically developed its AI capabilities in-house. By partnering with Google for foundational model technology, Apple gains access to Gemini's capabilities while maintaining its preferred cloud provider relationship with Google Cloud. The 2+ year delay from initial announcement to shipping suggests Apple encountered significant technical challenges in building these capabilities independently. The fall 2026 timeline puts Apple's next-generation assistant roughly in line with enhanced AI assistants from Google, Microsoft, and others, ending a period where Siri has lagged competitors in capability.