According to 9to5Mac, Apple is planning to use Google’s 1.2 trillion parameter artificial intelligence model to power its long-promised Siri overhaul. The iPhone maker is banking on Google’s technology to rebuild Siri’s underlying systems after failing to deliver the AI upgrades promised in iOS 18. The massive Google model dwarfs Apple’s current AI capabilities with its 1.2 trillion parameters, which measure the software’s complexity. These enhanced Siri features are now expected to ship in iOS 26.4 next spring, giving Apple a way to finally deliver the AI assistant improvements users have been waiting for.
The AI reality check
Here’s the thing: Apple’s “not first, but best” philosophy that Tim Cook loves to tout? It’s not working in AI. The company has been embarrassingly behind, and everyone knows it. They promised major Siri upgrades for iOS 18 and couldn’t deliver. Now they’re turning to their biggest competitor for help. That’s pretty telling.
But honestly? This might be the smartest move Apple could make right now. They’re buying themselves time and giving users what they actually want – a better Siri. Most people won’t care whose technology is powering it as long as it works better. And Apple claims the deal maintains their privacy standards, which is crucial.
What this actually means for you
Basically, your iPhone’s voice assistant is about to get way smarter, and it’s coming sooner than if Apple tried to build everything themselves. The spring 2025 timeline for iOS 26.4 means we’re looking at about nine months until the new Siri arrives. That’s not exactly “soon,” but it’s better than waiting years for Apple to perfect their own technology.
The real question is: will this actually make Siri competitive with Google Assistant and Alexa? A 1.2 trillion parameter model is massive – we’re talking about seriously sophisticated AI here. If Apple integrates this properly, we could see Siri finally understanding context, having real conversations, and actually being helpful instead of frustrating.
Follow 9to5Mac on Twitter and YouTube for more updates as this story develops. The reaction to this Apple-Google partnership has been all over the place, and it’s going to be fascinating to watch how it plays out.
Apple’s long game
Don’t think for a second that Apple is giving up on their own AI development though. This Google deal lets them ship a competitive product now while they continue working on their own models behind the scenes. It takes the pressure off and gives their engineers breathing room to build something truly Apple-quality.
So yeah, it’s a bit awkward that Apple needs Google’s help. But sometimes you have to swallow your pride and do what’s best for your users. And right now, what users need is a Siri that doesn’t make them want to throw their phone across the room.
