According to a recent interview, Apple initially planned to rebuild Siri using Anthropic's Claude large language model. However, the company ultimately chose Google's Gemini platform. The decision, revealed by Mark Gurman, stemmed from financial considerations. Anthropic allegedly demanded billions annually, with prices doubling each year for several years.

Despite the switch, Apple still utilizes Anthropic internally for product development and tools. Gurman indicated the move to Google for the revamped Siri occurred recently. The new, more personalized Siri, is set to arrive as part of iOS 26.4, likely requiring an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.

The updated Siri will offer improved personal context understanding, on-screen awareness, and deeper in-app controls. This shift highlights the intense competition in the AI space and the high costs associated with leading-edge technology. It also underscores Apple's strategic maneuvering to secure the best AI solutions at competitive prices.

What's next? Consumers can expect to see the new Siri features roll out in beta testing in February, with a public release likely in March or April. The integration of Gemini suggests a significant upgrade to Siri's capabilities, potentially impacting how users interact with their iPhones.