Apple unveiled a rebuilt Siri powered by Google Gemini at WWDC 2026, marking the biggest Apple assistant upgrade since Siri launched in 2011.

The June 8 keynote was also Tim Cook’s final WWDC as CEO, making it one of the most historic events in Apple’s modern history.

The New Apple Siri AI Now Runs on Google Gemini

Apple built the new Siri on a custom 1.2-trillion-parameter Gemini model co-developed with Google via a partnership announced in January 2026.

The rebuilt Siri enables multi-step chained commands, on-screen visual awareness, and a new standalone Siri app for the first time.

Apple’s Private Cloud Compute combines on-device processing with server-side Gemini computation so sensitive queries never leave the Apple ecosystem.

iOS 27 and the WWDC 2026 Software Announcements

Apple launched iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS updates at WWDC 2026, all shipping free this fall.

iOS 27 introduces deeper Siri integration across all apps, improved Apple Intelligence writing tools, and a redesigned notifications center.

macOS 27 Golden Gate adds a new Siri sidebar, cross-device clipboard sync, and native USB 4 support on M5-chip Macs.

homeOS and Apple’s Smart Home Push

Apple previewed homeOS, a new operating system for a rumored HomePad device with a 7-inch display and an A18 chip.

homeOS positions Apple to compete directly with Amazon Echo Hub and Google Nest Hub in the smart home controller segment.

The HomePad is expected to launch before year-end 2026 and will use Siri as its primary AI control interface for all devices.

Tim Cook’s Final WWDC and Apple’s Next Chapter

Cook’s 14-year tenure as CEO oversaw Apple growing from a $300 billion company to one worth over $4 trillion at its peak.

Apple has not confirmed Cook’s successor publicly, with Craig Federighi, Eddy Cue, and Jeff Williams most often cited as candidates.

As TechTimes’s report noted, Cook’s Gemini deal signals Apple’s acceptance that building a world-class LLM in-house takes longer than partnering.

Apple Intelligence Updates Arriving This Fall

Apple Intelligence gains expanded writing tools, Priority Notifications powered by Siri, and an AI-generated image creation suite in iOS 27.

Siri also integrates more deeply with third-party apps via a new Siri App Integration Kit debuting alongside the iOS 27 release.

Per Tom’s Guide’s recap, Apple’s on-device processing means most AI features function fully offline without any internet connection required.

What the Apple-Google Gemini Partnership Really Means

For Google, powering Apple’s Siri extends Gemini’s reach to Apple’s 1.4 billion active devices, a massive audience for Google AI.

The deal raises antitrust questions since Google already pays billions annually to be Safari’s default search engine on Apple devices.

According to Business Standard’s coverage, Gemini’s broader push is also reshaping coding, which our Google Gemini 3.5 news coverage explores in detail.

Apple is expected to expand its Gemini partnership in 2027, deepening integration into Vision Pro and CarPlay beyond what iOS 27 supports.