Apple Overhauls Siri AI, Built With Google’s Gemini Models
June 9, 2026
Apple used its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8 to unveil a sweeping overhaul of Siri, now called Siri AI.
It runs on the next generation of Apple Foundation Models, which Apple said it built with Google and its Gemini models, and lives in a standalone app alongside a wide set of Apple Intelligence updates and iOS 27.
The event was also CEO Tim Cook’s final keynote, a turning point in Apple’s AI strategy.
What Siri AI Brings and the Google Collaboration
Apple acknowledged that Siri faces higher expectations in the age of AI.
Siri AI is more capable and conversational, with visual intelligence that reads what is on screen or in the camera. It now has a dedicated app that uses iCloud to sync conversation history across devices, letting users revisit past exchanges.
Apple said it built the next generation of Apple Foundation Models with Google and its Gemini models, rather than relying solely on its own technology. On privacy, Apple Senior Vice President Craig Federighi said, “We believe privacy in AI is non-negotiable,” adding that data is used only to carry out a user’s request and that outside experts can continue to verify that promise.
Apple Intelligence Updates and Device Requirements
Apple also expanded Apple Intelligence across its apps, with tab management in Safari, one-tap password updating, cross-app context awareness, and AI reply suggestions in Messages.
The Photos app gains AI editing tools, including “Spatial Reframing,” which improves a photo’s composition after it is taken, and an upgraded “Cleanup” tool. Shortcuts can now be built from a plain-language prompt.
Device support differs by feature: iOS 27 runs on devices from the iPhone 11 onward, but the main Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features require newer hardware, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series and iPads and Macs with M1 or later.
A Strategy Shift in Cook’s Final Keynote
This was Tim Cook’s last keynote as CEO; Apple has said he will hand the role to John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, on September 1. Cook closed by reflecting that delivering products that enrich people’s lives “has always been our North Star.”
Apple first promised a major Siri overhaul in 2024, but the rollout slipped. It has now adopted a new architecture, including the Google collaboration, and reintroduced it as Siri AI while emphasizing its own privacy protections.
Availability varies by region: due to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Siri AI will not ship in the EU on iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27 at launch, though Apple said EU users can access it on macOS 27 and visionOS 27 (Mac and Apple Vision Pro) in a supported language. Apple also said Siri AI will not be available in China while it works through regulatory requirements.
What to Watch Next
iOS 27 is set to ship this fall. Siri AI entered developer testing on June 8, with a user beta expected later this year, starting in English and adding more languages later.
How smoothly the new foundation performs, whether Apple’s privacy approach holds up to outside verification, and how far Apple opens Siri AI to third-party chatbots remain open until launch. The timing of an EU and China rollout is also undecided.
Sources
Apple – Apple unveils next generation of Apple Intelligence, Siri AI, and more
Apple – Apple introduces Siri AI, a profoundly more capable and personal assistant
Apple – Due to DMA, Siri AI delayed in EU for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27
TechCrunch – WWDC 2026: Everything announced on Siri AI, iOS 27, Apple Intelligence and more
