In February, it became clear that we wouldn’t see the new AI-powered Siri in iOS 26.4, and the release date was postponed again. But amid all these delays, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian confirmed the partnership with Apple at the Google Cloud Next 2026 conference and promised that Gemini models will form the foundation of the updated Siri, which will launch in the near future. No new details about features or timelines were announced, but the statement itself shows: the deal is alive, and the launch is still promised for this year.
Without Google, Apple won’t be able to implement new Siri features
New Siri Based on Google Gemini
At the conference in Las Vegas, Kurian called the collaboration with Apple a “monumental partnership” and confirmed that Google serves as the preferred cloud provider for developing a new generation of Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini technologies. According to him, these models will power future Apple Intelligence features, including “a more personalized Siri that will launch later this year.”
Gemini will be integrated into Siri, making Apple’s assistant smarter
It’s important to understand: this isn’t new information. Kurian’s statement simply repeats already known promises. In January 2026, Apple and Google issued a joint statement: Apple gained access to Gemini models to create a new generation of its AI models (Apple Foundation Models). Tim Cook clarified on an investor call that the personalized version of Siri will work on-device and through Private Cloud Compute — Apple’s cloud system where user data is neither stored nor used for model training.
However, it still remains unclear whether all requests will be processed through Apple’s servers or some will go to Google’s servers. Apple asked Google to consider deploying servers in Google’s data centers to handle Siri requests, as the company expects a sharp increase in cloud load after launch.
Separately worth noting: according to The Information, Apple received full access to the Gemini model in its own data centers. This allows the company to create compact models based on it for specific tasks that can run directly on the device without contacting servers.
Apple Delayed the Launch of the New Siri
To understand the context, we need to recall the timeline. Apple first showed a “smart” Siri with context understanding and cross-app actions at WWDC 2024. Since then, the launch has been postponed multiple times:
- March 2025 — Apple officially postponed the launch of advanced Siri features
- January 2026 — partnership with Google announced to create a new Siri based on Gemini
- February 2026 — Apple confirmed to CNBC that the updated Siri will still launch in 2026
- Spring 2026 — according to rumors, Apple planned the launch but encountered accuracy issues
Formally, Apple never named a specific date other than “2026.” So technically there’s no delay. But according to rumors, the company had to adjust its internal schedule due to problems with the AI assistant’s response accuracy.
When the New Siri Will Be Shown and Which iOS It Will Appear In
The first public reveal of the updated Siri, according to rumors, will take place at WWDC 2026 — Apple’s annual developer conference, scheduled for June 8–12. An announcement of iOS 27 with a redesigned Siri interface is expected there, including a new chatbot app and an updated design in Dynamic Island.
The new Siri should be shown at WWDC 2026 along with iOS 27
According to Bloomberg, Siri in iOS 27 will feature an interface with a “Search or ask” prompt in Dynamic Island and a glowing cursor. A standalone app is also expected where users can have conversations with the assistant and browse chat history — similar to ChatGPT or Gemini.
But a showing at WWDC doesn’t mean an immediate launch. iOS 27 will be released to all users approximately in the fall of 2026. Apple formally has until December 31, 2026, to fulfill its own promise.
iPhones, iPads, and Macs That Will Get the New Siri
Apple Intelligence and the related Siri features don’t work on all Apple devices. A processor no lower than A17 Pro or an Apple Silicon chip (M1 and newer) is required. Here’s the list of compatible devices:
You need at least an iPhone 15 Pro to try the new Siri
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- The entire iPhone 16 lineup and newer models
- iPads with M1 chips and newer, iPad mini with A17 Pro
- Macs with M1 chips and newer
Owners of iPhone 14, iPhone 15 (non-Pro), and earlier models will not have access to the updated Siri. This affects hundreds of millions of devices worldwide. For users in Russia, there’s an additional caveat: Apple Intelligence currently only works in English (and a few other languages); Russian is not officially supported. To activate the features, you need to switch the device language and Siri to English.
Will the New Siri Work in Russia and in Russian
The Apple and Google deal is an acknowledgment that Apple couldn’t independently create a competitive AI assistant within the required timeframe. For users, this could turn out to be a plus: Gemini is one of the most powerful language models, and if the integration goes well, Siri will finally become a useful assistant rather than a source of frustration. But that’s abroad. What about Russia?
The new Siri is unlikely to work in Russian
There are no specific launch dates, of course — only a promise of “by the end of 2026.” And for Russian users, there’s also a language barrier: until Apple Intelligence features work in Russian, the practical benefit will be limited. Yes, you’ll be able to activate the new Siri, but you’ll have to communicate with it in English.
