Apple is gearing up for a significant leap in artificial intelligence with a major update to its virtual assistant, Siri, powered by Google’s Gemini AI. According to Bloomberg, the new version of Siri is expected to be released in February as part of the iOS 26.4 update. The move is widely seen as Apple’s strategic attempt to compete with leading AI platforms, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s AI tools, in the rapidly expanding generative AI market.
The Siri upgrade will be hosted on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, using high-performance Mac chips to ensure robust processing capabilities. This combination of hardware and AI software will allow Apple to deliver more advanced, responsive, and context-aware virtual assistant features. Following the report, Apple shares jumped as much as 1.7% to $250.83, while Google’s parent company Alphabet rose 2.6% to $330.32, reflecting strong investor confidence in the collaboration.
What to Expect From the Gemini-Powered Siri Update
One of the flagship features of the iOS 26.4 update is “World Knowledge Answers,” which will enable Siri to provide web-summarized responses to user queries, complete with citations. This feature is designed to rival AI assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity AI, offering more accurate, context-rich information directly through Siri.
Siri will also see deeper integration across Apple’s core ecosystem, including Mail, Music, Podcasts, TV, Xcode, and Photos. Users will be able to perform complex tasks entirely through voice commands. For example:
- Locating a specific photo by describing its contents and editing it, such as cropping or adjusting colors.
- Drafting emails automatically based on upcoming calendar appointments.
- Interacting with apps seamlessly, without switching contexts.
These enhancements highlight Apple’s focus on making Siri not just a voice assistant but a central productivity tool that blends AI-powered intelligence with core system integration.
Bloomberg also reports that Apple is paying Google approximately $1 billion per year to license access to the Gemini AI models. Beyond powering Siri, these models are expected to enhance existing Apple Intelligence features, further strengthening the company’s AI capabilities across devices.
Apple’s Next-Generation AI: The Campos Chatbot
Beyond the Siri upgrade, Apple is planning to introduce its first fully-fledged AI chatbot, internally codenamed “Campos.” Campos is intended to eventually replace Siri’s current interface, offering more advanced functionality and a chat-like experience akin to ChatGPT, OpenAI, or Google Gemini.
Campos is designed to function in both voice and typing modes and will be deeply integrated into Apple’s operating systems, including:
- iOS 27 (Rave) for iPhones
- iPadOS 27 (Rave) for iPads
- macOS 27 (Fizz) for Macs
The AI will be capable of analyzing open windows and on-screen content to suggest relevant actions, automate tasks, and streamline user workflows. For example, Campos could:
Control device features such as making phone calls, setting alarms or timers, and launching the camera.
Provide proactive assistance by predicting user needs based on current tasks and context.
Act as a conversational assistant for more natural interactions with Apple devices.
Apple is also reportedly testing Campos as a standalone app, similar to how ChatGPT or Google Gemini apps operate in the App Store, though a full public release is not expected in the immediate future.
Timeline and Strategic Goals
Campos is expected to be officially unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026, with a general release likely in September 2026. The introduction of Campos marks a significant push by Apple to close the AI gap with competitors, as Apple’s AI efforts, including Apple Intelligence and Siri, have faced criticism for being less capable compared to rivals.
By combining Gemini-powered updates to Siri with the long-term vision for Campos, Apple is positioning itself to strengthen its footprint in the AI market, enhance device intelligence, and provide a more seamless, integrated user experience across its hardware and software ecosystem.
The Gemini-powered Siri update and the future Campos chatbot represent Apple’s dual approach: improving AI utility in the short term while laying the foundation for a fully conversational, contextually aware AI assistant that can redefine interactions across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
