Siri to Become "Like a Different Person"? Apple Adopts Google Gemini, Reshaping the AI Battle

1) "It's not that Siri is changing, but rather the contents of Siri are changing"

On January 12, 2026, it was reported that Apple and Google entered into a multi-year agreement to integrate Google's generative AI "Gemini" model into the next-generation version of Siri. The key point is that Gemini will be incorporated into the "foundation" part directly linked to the overhaul of Siri, rather than just a mere "external AI collaboration." Apple has traditionally been strong in providing a "self-contained experience (vertical integration)," but amid intensifying competition in generative AI, they have opted to adopt Google's technology, which can be considered a rival, to quickly bolster their capabilities.

As a result, from the perspective of user experience, there is an expectation for answers to long-standing frustrations such as "Will Siri finally be able to hold a conversation?" and "Will the accuracy of context understanding, summarization, and execution improve?" On the other hand, from the perspectives of business and politics (regulation), there is a growing counterpoint questioning "Isn't it dangerous for Apple to deepen its dependence on Google?"

2) What was announced: Organizing what is known

According to reports, Apple will integrate Google's Gemini model into the revamped version of Siri. Furthermore, it is said that Google commented on Apple choosing Gemini as the foundation for "Apple Foundation Models (Apple's foundational models)." In other words, it could affect not only Siri but also the "roots" of future Apple Intelligence functions.

Additionally, it is important to note the observation that it is "not exclusive." This means Apple may leave room to use other models for specific purposes. In fact, Apple has previously introduced ChatGPT integration in Siri (for complex opt-in inquiries), and this development is more about Gemini strongly entering Siri's foundational layer rather than a complete exclusion of ChatGPT.Siri's foundational layer with Gemini strongly integrated.

3) Why did Apple bend its "self-reliance principle"?

The background to Apple's reliance on external partners includes delays in the overhaul of Siri and technical difficulties. As generative AI becomes central to the OS experience, it becomes a "comprehensive martial art" not only in terms of the intelligence of responses but also in cross-application execution power, personal optimization, and recovery design in case of failure. Falling behind here would not only weaken functionality but also diminish the "appeal of the platform" itself. For Apple, time is the greatest cost.

On the other hand, for Google, this contract allows them to deliver Gemini to "the largest distribution network, iPhone." Apple and Google have had a long-standing relationship over the default settings of search engines, and the same structure will be strengthened in AI. It's no wonder regulatory authorities are becoming nervous.

4) What will happen to users? The discussion doesn't end with just "convenience"

From the user's perspective, the most concerning points are (1) how smart Siri will become, (2) how data will be handled, and (3) whether options will remain.

• Intelligence: With the integration of Gemini, there is a high possibility that the naturalness of conversations, summarization and reasoning, and the success rate of complex instructions (such as "summarize this email in three lines and propose a reply") will improve.

• Data: It is reported that Apple emphasizes privacy protection frameworks such as on-device processing and "Private Cloud Compute." However, on social media, there is also amplified distrust with questions like "Will the data eventually flow to Google?"

• Options: Apple has a history of aiming for a design that "calls external models according to usage," and this time, the possibility of using multiple models has been suggested. This could be the key to lowering users' psychological resistance.

5) Is the winner Google? Or Apple? The market has already given an answer

Shortly after this news, it was reported that Alphabet (Google's parent company) reached a market capitalization of 4 trillion dollars, further strengthening the evaluation of its AI strategy. From an investor's perspective, the fact that "Gemini was adopted on a 'third-party giant platform (iOS)'" itself serves as an endorsement in both technological and business aspects.

However, for Apple, if they can change the current situation where Siri's weaknesses have been a long-standing topic, it could lead to a re-strengthening of the iPhone experience. In an era where AI becomes central to the OS, differences in experience can become a motivation for replacement.

6) Reactions on social media: Expectations and anxiety "simultaneously" erupted

What makes this case interesting is that the reactions on social media do not neatly polarize. Many posts contain a twist of being hopeful yet anxious, or opposing yet acknowledging the convenience.

(A) The hopeful camp: "Finally, Siri will become usable"
On Reddit, threads with tones like "The adoption of Gemini is a victory for technology" and "If Siri becomes smarter, it's welcome" were created, and there was a flow of discussion describing it as a "turnaround" from the past criticisms Gemini received.

(B) The concerned camp: "Too much dependence on Google/concentration of power"
On X (formerly Twitter), multiple media reported that Elon Musk criticized this partnership as "an unreasonable concentration of power." The influential words of a prominent figure quickly shifted the discussion from "convenience" to topics of "domination" and "monopoly."

(C) The distrustful camp: "What will happen to the data in the end?"
In some Apple fan communities, there was strong backlash with comments like "Gemini will take over the iPhone" and "Data will be handed over to Google," while there were also explanatory articles countering these as misunderstandings or overreactions. The degree of calming down here seems likely to change depending on how much Apple can make the technical specifications (what remains on-device and what goes to the cloud) transparent in the future.

(D) The "What about OpenAI" camp: Those concerned about the realignment of AI factions
In this report, it is suggested that while the existing ChatGPT integration will remain for "complex opt-in inquiries," Gemini will become the mainstay as the foundation. On social media, there has been an increase in discussions about the industry structure, such as "What is OpenAI's position?" and "How will Apple provide 'model selection' at the OS level?"

7) Three focal points likely to emerge

Finally, let's narrow down the practical points to watch to three.

1. Timing and scope of implementation: When, in which countries/languages, and on which devices the revamped Siri will be available.

2. Transparency of privacy design: How on-device/Private Cloud/external cloud (Google) will be delineated.

3. Regulatory risk: With the strengthening of the Apple×Google connection in AI following search, there is a possibility of increased pressure in terms of antitrust and competition policy.