Tech Giants Eye AI Overhaul: Apple Considers Google’s Gemini for Siri Makeover as Google Prepares In-Car AI Co-Pilot

In a significant potential shift in the AI landscape, Apple is reportedly in discussions with Google to license its advanced Gemini AI model to power a long-awaited, comprehensive overhaul of its voice assistant, Siri. The move comes as Google itself prepares to deeply integrate Gemini into its Android Auto platform, transforming it into a proactive co-pilot for drivers.

A New Brain for Siri?

For years, Apple’s Siri has been viewed by many as lagging behind competitors like Google Assistant in terms of intelligence and capability. Now, it appears the Cupertino firm is considering a radical step to close the gap. According to recent reports, Apple has entered into preliminary talks with its long-time rival, Google, to explore using the powerful Gemini AI as the new engine for Siri.

This potential collaboration is notable for a company like Apple, which is renowned for its preference for developing technology in-house. However, the impressive capabilities of Google’s Gemini in contextual understanding, text generation, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously could offer the significant boost Siri needs. If the partnership goes ahead, iPhone users could see a far more intelligent and responsive assistant capable of handling complex queries and providing more relevant answers.

Discussions are believed to be in the early stages, and sources suggest Apple is still several weeks away from making a final decision. The company is reportedly evaluating multiple options and has not yet committed to a single partner. In the meantime, Google is said to be actively training a specialised version of its model that could be deployed directly on Apple’s own servers, a move that would likely be a prerequisite to address Apple’s stringent privacy standards.

Gemini to Become Your In-Car Co-Pilot

While Apple deliberates on the future of Siri, Google is pushing ahead with its own ambitious plans for Gemini, particularly within the automotive sector. The latest beta version of Android Auto, 15.1, reveals clues about a significant evolution for the in-car system. Gemini is poised to replace Google Assistant, and new code suggests it will be able to access a vehicle’s precise location to deliver a more intuitive and proactive driving experience.

The clear objective behind this enhancement is to streamline the driving process by automatically providing the right information at the opportune moment. A newly discovered setting within the application’s code, labelled “Share precise location,” comes with the summary, “Share with digital assistants for improved navigation.”

This feature would enable Gemini to anticipate a driver’s needs without requiring manual input. For example, it could proactively suggest a nearby petrol station when fuel is low, highlight available parking near a concert venue you’re driving to, or recommend an electric charging point along your route. By anticipating these requirements, Gemini aims to minimise screen interaction, allowing drivers to remain focused on the road.

Google Finalises Preparations for Launch

Although this precise location-sharing feature is not yet active for users, its appearance in the beta software indicates that Google is finalising the details ahead of an official launch. The company has stated that the rollout of Gemini in Android Auto is expected “in the coming weeks.” This integration is set to transform the user experience from interacting with a basic navigation tool, as Google Assistant largely is now, to being supported by a genuine co-pilot that can intelligently anticipate and serve the driver’s needs.