Apple is working on World Knowledge Answers, an AI-powered search engine that aims to turn Siri into a comprehensive answer engine by spring 2026. The project is supported by a strategic partnership with Google’s Gemini AI and aims to compete directly with established providers such as OpenAI and Perplexity AI.
The new technology will fundamentally transform Siri from a simple voice assistant to a sophisticated system that handles complex queries with multimodal responses. These will include text, images, videos and local information, allowing Apple to achieve seamless integration into the entire iOS ecosystem. The development is being led by Craig Federighi, after Apple abandoned its original hybrid architecture in favor of a full Large Language Model-based solution.
The AI search market is growing rapidly and will reach a volume of 1.01 trillion dollars by 2031. Apple is entering this market at a strategically opportune time, as a recent antitrust ruling allows the company to maintain its lucrative $20 billion partnership with Google while developing competing technologies. This regulatory development creates optimal conditions for Apple’s AI strategy.
The Google Gemini integration takes place via Apple’s private cloud compute servers, which ensures that the company’s strict data protection standards are maintained. Apple focuses on on-device processing and uses specialized hardware such as the Neural Engine to accelerate AI workloads without impacting battery power or device performance.
Technical challenges and timeline
The development of World Knowledge Answers has presented Apple with significant technical challenges that have extended the originally planned timeline. The company had to redesign its entire Siri architecture after a failed attempt at a hybrid solution between traditional voice control and AI capabilities. This architectural redesign requires extensive testing with popular apps such as Uber, YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp to ensure compatibility across the ecosystem.
Apple is also facing staffing challenges as competitors such as Meta are poaching AI engineers with compensation packages in excess of 200 million dollars. This competitive situation has led to organizational changes, including the removal of AI head John Giannandrea from Siri leadership and the appointment of Vision Pro head Mike Rockwell. The company’s shares reacted positively to the announcements and rose by 3.8 percent to 238.47 dollars.
Summary
- Apple is developing World Knowledge Answers – an AI search engine for Siri with a planned launch in spring 2026
- Strategic partnership with Google Gemini AI enables advanced AI capabilities while maintaining Apple’s privacy standards
- Direct competition with OpenAI and Perplexity through multimodal responses with text, images, videos and local information
- Complete architectural redesign after failed hybrid approach between traditional Siri and AI technology
- Favorable regulatory conditions due to antitrust ruling allowing $20 billion Google partnership with simultaneous competitive development
- AI search market grows to 1.01 trillion dollars by 2031 with 83% of users preferring AI search tools
- Technical integration via iOS ecosystem with on-device processing and specialized neural engine hardware
- Staffing challenges due to competitive pressure with compensation packages over 200 million dollars for AI talent
Source: Bloomberg
