Apple is weighing external partnerships to overhaul Siri, as it looks to close the gap with rivals in artificial intelligence. The company is exploring whether third-party AI models could give its voice assistant the boost it needs after years of lagging behind competitors.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has held talks with Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI about supplying AI models that could power a new version of Siri. Google is training a version of Gemini that can run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, while Anthropic’s Claude is already used internally in Apple’s development tools. OpenAI has also been part of the discussions, giving Apple several potential paths as it reconsiders its in-house Apple Foundation Models.
Siri’s limitations and the need for change
Siri has often struggled with complex queries and natural conversation, issues that competitors like Alexa, Google Assistant, and newer generative AI chatbots have addressed more successfully. Apple’s internal AI team has made progress, but Bloomberg notes that management is seriously debating whether third-party solutions could deliver faster, more capable improvements.
A strategic decision with wide implications
If Apple chooses to rely on external partners, it would mark one of the most significant changes in Siri’s history. Outsourcing part of Siri’s intelligence could quickly improve its functionality, but it would also tie Apple to external providers at a time when regulators are scrutinizing the company’s reliance on Google for its $20 billion Safari search deal. A partnership with Gemini, Claude, or OpenAI could evolve into deeper strategic ties that reshape Apple’s services ecosystem.
Privacy and integration remain central
Apple is unlikely to abandon its principles around user privacy and seamless hardware-software integration. Even if external models are adopted, they would run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute infrastructure to limit data exposure. This approach allows Apple to leverage the strengths of leading AI providers while still maintaining control over user trust and platform consistency.
The decision is still under review, but Bloomberg’s reporting makes it clear that Apple is exploring options beyond its internal teams. Whether it chooses Anthropic, Google, or OpenAI — or a combination of them — the outcome will determine how quickly Siri evolves from a rule-based assistant to a truly generative AI-powered service. For users, this could finally mean a Siri capable of handling everyday requests with greater accuracy, context, and intelligence.
