Sundar Pichai: Gemini AI Could Power Siri on iPhones by Mid-2025

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has confirmed that talks are underway with Apple to integrate Gemini AI into iPhones, potentially changing the way Apple users interact with Siri and other AI features. According to a report from Bloomberg, Pichai disclosed during the ongoing Google vs US Department of Justice antitrust trial that he hopes to finalise a deal with Apple by mid-2025.

This move would allow Apple users to access Google’s powerful Gemini AI directly through Siri, offering an alternative to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which is already embedded into iPhones with iOS 18.2 and above. If the deal materialises in time, Gemini could be integrated with iOS 19, which is expected to roll out later this year.

Currently, Apple’s native AI ecosystem, dubbed “Apple Intelligence,” includes support from ChatGPT for tasks that Siri or the system cannot handle independently. For example, writing suggestions and visual queries are sometimes routed through ChatGPT—pending user permission. With Gemini integration, users would have the flexibility to choose between ChatGPT and Gemini AI for tasks like writing, summarisation, and advanced voice assistance.

This would mark a significant shift in Apple’s AI strategy. The Gemini app is already available for iOS users, but a deep integration would eliminate the need for users to download or manually launch the app. Instead, Gemini would be embedded at the system level, accessible directly through Siri and other Apple Intelligence features.

Such integration would also support Apple’s broader strategy of offering multiple AI model choices to users. Apple has previously indicated that it wants to provide a flexible AI ecosystem where users can decide which assistant or model best fits their needs. Earlier this year, a report by MacRumors noted that the iOS 18.4 beta contained code references to “Google” as a possible AI model option—fueling speculation that Gemini could be coming to Apple devices.

Meanwhile, Apple has been working behind the scenes to enhance Siri’s capabilities. In a recent move, the tech giant reassigned many of its Siri engineers to work under Mike Rockwell, the executive leading software development for Apple Vision Pro. This team is now responsible for accelerating development of what some have dubbed “Siri 2.0”—a significantly upgraded version of the voice assistant with new AI capabilities. However, reports suggest this overhaul has been delayed.

The potential partnership between Apple and Google would also mark a major moment in the increasingly competitive AI space. With OpenAI’s ChatGPT already enjoying a lead in user adoption on iPhones, Google would gain a crucial foothold through system-level access. For Apple, the move would diversify its AI offerings while maintaining user privacy and choice.

If finalised, the integration of Gemini into iPhones could reshape how millions of users experience digital assistance—offering enhanced conversational ability, richer contextual understanding, and more control over AI interactions. All eyes will now be on whether Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook can close the deal before mid-2025.

IT.