Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that the company is set to launch its revamped Siri virtual personal assistant in 2026, with additional AI partnerships being considered. In an interview with CNBC’s Steve Kovach, Cook mentioned that Apple’s intention is to integrate with more AI companies in the future. However, while discussions with Google about incorporating Google’s Gemini AI are ongoing, no official partnership has been confirmed yet.
Apple has been working on expanding support for third-party models in Image Playground and laying the groundwork for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) framework in iOS 26.1. This framework, developed by Anthropic, aims to enhance interoperability between AI models, tools, and apps.
Why Siri’s Big AI Upgrade Is Taking So Long
Apple has faced criticism for the slow rollout of its AI capabilities, particularly regarding the delayed launch of “Personalized Siri.” This feature was first announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2024 but was postponed due to limitations in Apple’s AI architecture.
The decision to transition Siri to a second-generation architecture has caused delays, as Apple strives to meet its high-quality standards for the promised features. Additionally, the company has experienced a talent exodus to other AI firms, leading to extended deadlines and class action lawsuits.
Despite the challenges, Apple remains committed to building the ecosystem necessary to bring its next-generation Siri to life. Cook’s comments reflect the company’s determination to make progress in the AI space and deliver on its promises to users.
While Apple’s AI roadmap may not show visible progress yet, the company’s willingness to explore new partnerships indicates a proactive approach towards improving Siri and enhancing its capabilities.
