Apple is reportedly preparing a major Siri overhaul that could add an AI-powered web search experience driven by Google’s Gemini. According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has delayed its broader Siri revamp until 2026 and is actively exploring whether its own models can compete with today’s AI answer engines from companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Google. As part of that effort, Apple has reached a formal agreement to test a Google AI model inside Siri, with potential expansion into other parts of iPhone software if the results are strong.
If Apple moves forward, the same technology could enhance search across Safari and Spotlight on the iPhone. That would mark a notable shift for Spotlight, which in recent years helped users grab quick answers on topics like actors, musicians, TV shows, and movies without opening a browser. With the rise of AI chatbots capable of handling far broader queries, Apple appears focused on closing the gap and making on-device search feel more intelligent, immediate, and conversational.
The upgraded experience described in the report emphasizes rich, useful results over a list of links. Users could see answers that blend text, photos, videos, and local points of interest, alongside AI-driven summaries designed to condense information at a glance. Siri may also tap into personal data to provide more contextual help and allow deeper voice navigation throughout the device, suggesting a more unified assistant for everyday tasks.
Here’s what the early plans point to:
– AI-powered web search inside Siri, potentially backed by Google’s Gemini
– Integration opportunities across Safari and Spotlight
– Multimodal results with text, images, video, and local recommendations
– Summarized answers for faster comprehension
– Deeper device control through voice and access to personal data for context
The reported 2026 timeline underscores how carefully Apple is approaching this transition. The company is weighing whether its in-house models are sufficient on their own or whether partnering on certain capabilities will deliver a better experience. If the Google-powered tests prove successful, iPhone users could see a more capable Siri and a smarter search experience that aligns with how people now expect to find information: quickly, conversationally, and without jumping between apps.
