Apple's Siri Poised for Major AI Overhaul, Potentially Leveraging Google's Gemini

Daily Technology

19/05/2026

Apple is reportedly gearing up for a significant transformation of its virtual assistant, Siri, with the upcoming iOS 17 release. Leaks suggest that Siri will become a standalone app and heavily integrate Google's advanced AI technology, Gemini, to compete with other leading AI chatbots.

Key Takeaways

Siri is set to become a standalone app with enhanced AI capabilities.
Integration with Google's Gemini AI is a strong possibility for iOS 17.
New features may include auto-delete options for chat history.
Apple continues to emphasize privacy while exploring AI advancements.

Siri's AI Evolution

According to reports, Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, commencing June 8, could see the unveiling of these Siri enhancements, with a public launch expected in September alongside new Apple products. This move marks a pivotal moment for Siri, which has been available since 2011 and currently assists with tasks like making calls, sending messages, providing information, and managing smart home devices. The company aims to position Siri as a formidable AI chatbot, rivaling established players like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, and xAI's Grok.

Enhanced Chat Features and Privacy Considerations

Beyond its core AI capabilities, Siri in iOS 17 is expected to introduce an auto-delete option for chat conversations. Users will reportedly have the choice to automatically erase chats after 30 days, one year, or to keep them indefinitely, mirroring a similar feature already present in the iPhone's messaging app.

Reported chat retention options

Option	Timing	What it means
Auto-delete	30 days	Chats would be erased automatically after one month.
Auto-delete	1 year	Chats would remain available longer before automatic deletion.
Keep	Indefinitely	Chats would stay saved unless the user deletes them.

A significant aspect of this upgrade involves Siri's reliance on Google's Gemini. While Apple has historically prioritized on-device processing and its Private Cloud Compute for AI tasks to maintain user privacy, this potential collaboration with Google raises questions about data handling. Apple has previously stated its commitment to privacy standards, even when utilizing third-party technologies. The exact mechanisms for data analysis and storage with Google's involvement remain to be fully detailed, sparking discussions about potential trade-offs between advanced AI functionality and data privacy.

Genmoji and Future Rollout

In addition to Siri's AI advancements, iOS 17 is also expected to enhance the Genmoji feature. Users may see "suggested Genmoji" options generated from their photos and frequently used phrases, offering a more personalized emoji experience. This feature will be optional.

It's also speculated that the new Siri might initially be available in a beta version, with users having the option to toggle between the beta and the current Siri experience. This measured approach suggests Apple's careful consideration in rolling out its next-generation AI assistant.

Expected rollout path

June 8 reveal window

Reports point to WWDC, beginning June 8, as the likely venue for Apple to unveil Siri's AI upgrades.

September public launch

A broader public release is expected in September alongside new Apple products.

Beta and toggle phase

Apple may first ship the new Siri in beta, allowing users to switch between the updated and current experiences.