Apple is undergoing its biggest Siri transformation in over a decade, partnering with Google to power the on device AI assistant using Gemini AI while opening it to rival models though a new App and marketplace in iOS 27 — details first reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Core Siri Overhaul Features

The third-party AI Extensions system marks a pivotal openness in Apple’s ecosystem, allowing services like Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT to integrate directly into Siri through a new marketplace section in the App Store. This setup enables users to plug in preferred AI models for specific tasks, with Apple earning its standard 30% commission on related in-app purchases and subscriptions. Fine print for iOS 27 beta confirms that these extensions will work across Siri, the new app, and other device features, positioning the App Store as a hub for AI integrations and fostering competition based on performance rather than exclusivity.

Complementing these changes is a redesigned Siri interface that integrates deeply with iOS hardware and software elements, including expansion into the Dynamic Island on supported iPhones for quick access during calls or media playback. Apple is also testing a systemwide “Ask Siri” button for instant invocation from anywhere in these and a “Write with Siri” option positioned above the keyboard for on-the-fly text generation and editing. These enhancements aim to make AI assistance more ambient and intuitive, reducing friction in everyday workflows like note-taking, messaging, and app navigation.

Gemini Foundation Partnership

At the core of this transformation is Apple’s multi-year partnership with Google, which leverages Gemini technology and cloud infrastructure to power the next-generation Apple Foundation Model — specifically version 11 for the revamped Siri. This partnership allows Apple to focus on user experience and privacy safeguards like on-device processing while outsourcing the heavy computational demands of advanced AI to Google’s expertise. The collaboration was one of a kind in today’s mobile technology landscape.

This collaboration is the combination of the best of both worlds, letting Apple’s commitment to user privacy empower the iOS ecosystem user experience, while having the advantage of Google’s powerful AI infrastructure. This allows for hybrid processing where sensitive tasks are handled by on-device AI and cloud calls include robust safeguards against data misuse. The strategy mitigates risks associated with full cloud dependency.

Development Timeline

The revamp is slated for official unveiling at WWDC 2026 on June 8, alongside iOS 27, as expected with Apple’s annual cadence for major platform updates, developers will have time to develop AI integrations in the beta versions of the iOS 27 after its release.

The project has been in development for two years, originating from early previews of personalized Siri capabilities shown at WWDC 2024, which Apple later delayed to allow more refinement. It was then primed or iOS 26.4 release but got pushed to 26.5 and eventually consolidated into the more ambitious iOS27 package.

Strategic Ethos & Implications

Strategically, Apple’s moves signal a pragmatic ethos for mobile devices, transforming iPhones into neural hubs that prioritize seamless integration and user choice over building every AI capability in-house. By partnering with rivals and opening extensions marketplace, Apple acknowledge the limits of proprietary development in a fast-evolving field, nurturing an ecosystem where the best tools win on merit. This user-centric philosophy could redefine smartphones as dynamic AI orchestrators, enhancing productivity without locking users into a single model.

Industry observers frame this as the dawn of the AI orchestration era, where Siri shifts from a voice command assistant to a versatile router capable of switching between competing models like Gemini and Claude. This interoperability promises more intelligent, context-aware assistance tailored to individual needs, potentially eclipsing traditional search and app silos even further. It calls for a future where mobile computing feels proactive and personalized at every interaction.

Finally, the overhaul embodies a “coopetition” model, where Apple and Google collaborate on foundational AI infrastructure while vying for dominance in apps, extensions, and services—accelerating widespread AI adoption across billions of devices. This revenue-generating approach via App Store commissions turns Siri into a profitable platform without the risks of solo model development. It sets a precedent for the mobile industry, blending competition with shared progress to deliver ever-smarter experiences for the intricate user needs.

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