Report: An advanced version of Siri equipped with Gemina will arrive in 2026

The long-awaited big update to Siri is finally nearing its launch date, and this time, it will be powered by Google’s Gemina artificial intelligence. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is preparing to release a redesigned version of Siri in March 2026, which is one of the biggest software changes for the company in recent years, coinciding with the celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The new Siri is expected to lead the next phase of Apple’s AI-powered products and services, bringing smarter voice interactions, improved text understanding and broader integration between iPhones, Macs and home devices. According to reports, Apple plans to introduce this smart assistant alongside its new smart home hardware, such as a display with voice control and a security ecosystem that will compete with Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest series.

The move also marks an unusual partnership between Apple and Google, the largest mobile company. Siri’s redesigned features are said to rely on Google’s Gemina AI model to handle advanced queries and web-based searches, while Apple Intelligence focuses on in-device processing and privacy. This combination could allow Siri to perform more complex tasks and provide accurate, conversational responses, like JPT Chat or the latest versions of Google Assistant.

If this is true, it wouldn’t be surprising since Apple is still lagging behind when it comes to implementing and delivering AI capabilities. Some of the company’s core AI features, such as AI Eraser, still don’t provide the precise output we see on many Android phones. It is likely that the Cupertino giant now needs more time to refine its AI, so it is busy exploring cooperation with Google and maintaining its reputation. This move is very similar to Apple’s old approach of relying on Google’s search engine in Safari for years.

However, Apple’s path in artificial intelligence is not without risks. Industry insiders say that the success of the new version of Siri will play a decisive role in the future of the company’s ambitions in this area. After years of being criticized for being outdated and unstable compared to Alexa and the Google Assistant, the 2026 version of Siri should prove that Apple can keep up with the fast-paced AI race. The integration of Gemini-based AI could finally give Siri the depth and flexibility users have long wanted, but Apple needs to ensure its assistant is flawless and maintain its privacy credentials.

The timing of this unveiling is strategic. Apple enters 2026 in good financial shape and expects to experience a record-breaking holiday quarter with sales possibly as high as $140 billion. The company also plans to launch new products early next year, including the iPhone 17e, the iPad Air with the M4 chip, and the M5 MacBooks. However, Siri will likely be the star of the show and set the future direction of Apple’s software and ecosystem for the rest of this decade. Reports suggest that Apple’s efforts to develop artificial intelligence will proceed in stages.

After unveiling Siri in March, the Cupertino tech giant will unveil iOS 27 and macOS 27 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, both of which feature new AI features. Later this year, Apple is expected to enter new product categories, including foldable iPhones, smart home devices and even smart glasses prototypes. Apple’s AI ambitions come as the company faces major domestic and international challenges. Apple is grappling with regulatory pressures that could change the App Store’s business model. On the other hand, the increase in trade tensions can have a negative impact on its production based in China. Also, management changes at the top levels of Apple can also affect the speed of this company’s progress with the artificial intelligence revolution.

Source: IndiaToday