Apple develops its own AI independently of its agreement with Google
Many market observers wondered whether reaching for Google’s solution means Apple’s capitulation in the AI arms race. It turns out that the situation is more complex. The iPhone manufacturer treats cooperation with the creators of Gemini as… a separate project that does not suspend or replace the development of the Cupertino giant’s own models. Both initiatives are expected to complement each other in the upcoming update iOS 26.4.
A clear boundary between technologies
While discussing financial results, Apple’s CEO made it clear. The company chose Google technology because it currently provides the most solid foundation for the functioning of the assistant. However, this is an external solution, contracted as part of a specific cooperation. This is not the same as the research work that Apple engineers conduct in their laboratories.
Apple’s own artificial intelligence technology, which is in continuous development, remains a separate entity. Tim Cook emphasized that the proprietary model is not intended to replace Gemini. His role is different. Apple’s internal systems are to focus on “personal intelligence”running privately directly on the device.
Siri’s hybrid operating model
The effect of this division will be assistant using two sources at the same time. The agreement with Google will give Siri access to Gemini’s powerful language model. This will allow you to generate comprehensive answers to general questions, which has so far been the domain of Pixel smartphones. In this way, the user will receive a quality of conversation that was missing in the Apple ecosystem.
In turn, a separate, proprietary technology of the Cupertino company will take care of analysis of user data. This Google-independent module will search messages, e-mails and photos to determine the time of a relative’s flight or the details of a restaurant reservation. The new Siri in iOS 26.4 will be the result of combining two independent technologies: an external knowledge engine from Google and an internal personalization system from Apple.
Tests start in February
Users will not have to wait long for these announcements to be verified. A beta version of iOS 26.4 is expected to arrive in the coming weeks. iPhone owners will then check in practice how the combination of external partnership with internal technology works. The full version of the software is scheduled to debut spring.
This is a key moment for Apple. The competition is not sleeping, and Google plans to completely replace its old assistant with the Gemini model in March. Separating the contract with the Mountain View giant from its own development work allows Cook’s company to quickly catch up, while at the same time not giving up on building its own technological base for the future.
