The long-awaited and repeatedly delayed update to the Siri smart voice assistant received public and official backing on Tuesday when Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian highlighted the strategic partnership between the two companies. This came during the keynote address at the CloudNext 2026 conference in Las Vegas, where Kurian described Apple as a key customer relying heavily on Gemini artificial intelligence technologies to build the next generation of its smart assistant.
This explicit mention came during a presentation titled “The Agentic Cloud,” where Kurian demonstrated how major global enterprises are adopting the AI infrastructure provided by Google Cloud. This reference underscored the significance and weight of the deal first announced last January, when both companies issued a joint statement confirming that “Apple’s next-generation foundational models will rely on Google’s Gemini models and its cloud technologies.”
A deal months in the making
Apple and Google formalized their multi-year collaboration in early 2026, with Apple selecting Gemini models following what both sides described as a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of available AI technology in the market. Estimates reported by Bloomberg and picked up by major news networks such as CNN and CNBC indicate that these arrangements will cost Apple’s treasury approximately $1 billion annually.
Under this massive agreement, Apple’s AI features will continue to operate seamlessly on user devices while leveraging the company’s own cloud computing infrastructure, ensuring adherence to Apple’s strict customer data privacy commitments that it has long touted at all its conferences.
This partnership marks a fundamental turning point in Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy. After showcasing an initial preview of a more capable voice assistant at its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, the company faced a series of continuous delays in delivering the promised features to users. Those awaited features included personal context awareness, deep understanding of on-screen content, and the ability to take actions within various apps. Initial expectations pointed to the arrival of these advanced capabilities during the iOS 18 update cycle, but they faced persistent delays.
What to expect from the new smart assistant
Prominent Bloomberg technology reporter Mark Gurman indicated in his reports that Apple is currently developing a standalone smart assistant app codenamed “Campo,” set to be integrated into iOS 27 and macOS 27. This innovative app will allow for back-and-forth interactive conversations while maintaining persistent chat logs, drawing design inspiration from popular AI chatbot apps such as ChatGPT and Gemini.
Alongside the standalone app, leaks point to a completely redesigned user interface that will seamlessly integrate the voice assistant into the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. When activated, the interface will display the phrase “Search or Ask” accompanied by a glowing indicator that adds a lively, modern touch to the user experience.
However, the development and rollout process has not been without technical hurdles and challenges. Gurman explained that the Gemini-powered features originally slated for the iOS 26.4 update have been delayed again, with some of these capabilities now expected to arrive in iOS 26.5 or subsequent releases. Despite these setbacks, Apple was quick to reassure markets via a statement to CNBC, affirming that it remains on track to launch the new smart assistant features later this year without changes to its overarching plans.
The upcoming developers conference as a pivotal milestone
Tech enthusiasts and developers worldwide are turning their attention to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, scheduled for June 8-12, where this massive annual event is expected to serve as the main platform for showcasing the entirely overhauled next generation of Apple’s voice assistant.
Adding to the anticipation is the fact that the promotional artwork for the 2026 developers conference already offers clear hints of the assistant’s new design, according to Gurman. These promotional materials include visual elements that mirror and correspond with the user interface currently undergoing intensive internal testing within the company’s halls.
Regarding the timeline for these technologies reaching everyday users, expectations strongly point to a full and stable public rollout of these advanced intelligent capabilities coinciding with the anticipated launch event for the iPhone 18 lineup, typically organized in the autumn of each year. This fusion of cutting-edge hardware and generative AI-backed software will represent a qualitative leap in how millions of users interact with their daily smart devices.
The frantic race in the AI world
These fast-paced moves by Apple come at a time when the tech industry is witnessing fierce competition to capture market share in generative AI. While companies like Google and Microsoft have made early leaps by integrating advanced chatbots into search engines and productivity apps, Apple has chosen to take its time to ensure these revolutionary technologies align with its strict privacy and security standards.
Apple’s reliance on Google at this critical juncture represents an implicit acknowledgment of Gemini models’ current superiority in handling complex tasks requiring high-level natural language processing and precise contextual understanding. As the official unveiling approaches, the remaining question is Apple’s ability to deliver a unique user experience that outshines competitors and proves the delay was justified to achieve the best possible product for customers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Apple’s new smart assistant launch?
The new assistant is expected to be previewed at the developers conference in June 2026, with a general public release alongside the rollout of the iPhone 18 in the fall.
What technology will the new voice assistant rely on?
The assistant will rely on Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models and its cloud infrastructure, alongside on-device local data processing.
Will Apple user privacy be affected by this partnership?
No, as Apple has confirmed that AI features will continue to run on its devices and proprietary cloud infrastructure to maintain the company’s strict privacy commitments.
