Apple to Unveil "Gemini Version of Siri" in February? ― An Explosion of Convenience and Lingering Concerns

Apple to Unveil "Gemini Version of Siri" in February? ― An Explosion of Convenience and Lingering Concerns

1) Unveiling of "Gemini Version Siri" in Late February? Key Points from the Report

In late January 2026, it was reported that Apple plans to announce a new Siri utilizing Google's generative AI "Gemini" in late February. The highlight this time is not just "improving conversation skills." The focus is rather on Siri steering significantly towards "getting tasks done" by leveraging user's personal data (such as schedules and contacts) and content displayed on the screen to complete tasks.


For example, it can shorten a series of operations across apps, such as "Open the location of the meeting displayed on this screen on a map and send the arrival time to participants" or "Summarize the key points of the email you're reading and draft a reply." If realized, Siri would move closer to being an entity that handles "the operation itself," rather than just an extension of a search box or voice input.

2) February is the "First Phase," the Main Event in June?—A Two-Stage Rocket Scenario

The report suggests that the February update is a milestone, with a more significant overhaul possibly being discussed at WWDC in June. The next phase of Siri is said to become more conversational like ChatGPT and might even operate on Google's cloud infrastructure in some cases.


The interesting point here is the clash between Apple's long-standing philosophy of "processing as much as possible on the device to protect privacy" and the reality of large models (computational resources, cost, stable operation). The smarter the conversation becomes, and the more Siri can "act," the greater the potential damage from malfunctions. Apple needs to build "not doing things autonomously," "not making mistakes," "being able to confirm," and "being able to stop" with the same fervor as convenience to gain user trust.

3) Why Google's Gemini? A Compromise Between Apple’s Identity and Reality

Apple is a company proficient in vertical integration. Therefore, the structure of having an external model (especially Google) at the core of Siri is quite impactful. However, at the same time, recent evaluations of Siri have been harsh, and it seems Apple needed to "buy time."


In fact, in mid-January 2026, Apple officially announced that Gemini had become a partner supporting AI features like Siri. A joint statement was introduced, stating that Gemini would become "the most promising foundation" for Apple's foundational model, and it was also mentioned that the contract might be non-exclusive and that privacy standards would be maintained. In other words, rather than insisting on "completing everything in-house," Apple chose Gemini as a realistic solution to quickly enhance the user experience—such an interpretation is plausible.

4) Will the Promise of "Personal Context" Be Fulfilled? Connection with Apple Intelligence

It's worth recalling the direction Apple set at WWDC 2024 to "understand your context." Apple Intelligence emphasized rooting in personal context like user routines, relationships, and communication, and placing privacy at its foundation. While processing primarily on the device, heavy processing would be offloaded to the cloud side using Apple chips (Private Cloud Compute)—this design philosophy underpins the reported "Siri that completes tasks by referencing screen and personal data."


However, the most sensitive issue for users here is "how much can be seen." Access to screen information and personal data tends to blur boundaries in exchange for convenience. The key will be whether Apple can clearly delineate "what is processed on the device and what is sent to the cloud" and shape it so that users can control it.

5) Reactions on Social Media: A "Requirement List" of Expectations and Distrust

The topic has simultaneously amplified "I've been waiting" and "Is that okay?" on social media and in communities. Here's a summary of the main points.


(1) The "Finally Here" Camp: Long-standing Dissatisfaction with Siri's Stagnation
On Reddit, while there are harsh voices like "Apple has raised the white flag with Siri," there are also pragmatic comments like "I don't care what's behind it, I just want it to work." The essence of the expectation is more about being "useful" than "smart."


(2) The "Reliability Over Model" Camp: Prioritizing Operational Certainty
On Reddit, the reaction "it's more important that it works properly than which model it is" is symbolic. Siri is embedded in daily routines (in-car operations, calls, messages, timers). If this is unstable, it won't be used, regardless of its intelligence.


(3) The "Apple's Dependence on Google?" Camp: Discomfort with Privacy and Brand
Some feel that adopting Gemini is incompatible with Apple's "identity." However, on Reddit, there's also the perspective that "it's just using Google's technology in an Apple way (privacy-focused), so the concern might be small," showing a wide range of opinions.


(4) Discussion on Hacker News: Voices Valuing Stable Supply and Capital Power, and Criticism of Lagging Behind
On Hacker News, some cite reasons for choosing Gemini as "infrastructure that can withstand large-scale operations" and "capital power and stability," while others argue that "Apple needs to release something quickly" and "it shouldn't rush without reaching 'trustworthy quality.'" In other words, the user's standard is not "the latest AI," but a "tool that can be trusted and relied upon."

6) What Will Change from Here?—The Victory Line for Siri's Overhaul

If Siri that handles tasks with "context + screen" is released in February, the victory line will be concentrated on the following three points.

  • Careful Confirmation and Cancellation (not sending, buying, or scheduling without permission)

  • Not Slow or Interrupted (daily operations completed without stress, even before conversational AI)

  • Specific Explanation of Privacy (what is on the device, what is in the cloud, what is not saved)


The question is whether Siri can become a "reliable secretary" before becoming a "smart friend." The February announcement is a sufficiently significant first step. However, as social media indicates, expectations and concerns are already at their peak. Whether Apple can turn this gamble into a "new experience," the answer will soon begin to unfold.


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