Apple confirmed its next-generation Siri will be powered by Google's Gemini AI for its foundation models. Host Devindra Hardawar and guest Igor Bonifacic explored this surprising partnership on the Engadget Podcast. The choice to team up with Google again, rather than OpenAI or Anthropic, sparked discussion about the tech giant's strategic AI alliances.

This move signals a pragmatic shift for Apple, which has historically preferred controlling its core software stack. Partnering with an external AI leader like Google could accelerate Siri's long-overdue upgrade. The decision highlights the intense competition in the AI space, where even Apple must rely on specialized expertise to catch up.

Meanwhile, the podcast also covered Meta's Reality Labs layoffs, where the company is refocusing on AI hardware like smart glasses. This industry-wide pivot toward AI is reshaping priorities across Silicon Valley. The conversation underscores how major tech players are reevaluating their bets on the metaverse versus tangible AI products.