Apple is reportedly working on a new AI search feature for Siri, with plans to roll it out in 2026, Bloomberg reported. The system, internally called “World Knowledge Answers,” aims to pull information from across the web, summarize results, and deliver answers in a conversational style.

Executives familiar with the project described it as an “answer engine,” which would mark a shift from Siri’s current limitations. Siri mostly answers basic questions or passes queries to Google. Apple’s goal is to make Siri a direct destination for information, which could change how users interact with iPhones. This could position Siri closer to tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.

Apple’s idea is to make Siri more than a voice assistant. Instead of redirecting users to external links, Apple is building the new system to summarize, explain, and deliver answers directly. According to Bloomberg, the new Siri is scheduled to launch in iOS 26.4, internally called “Luck E,” which could arrive as early as March 2026.

How the new Siri search will work

Bloomberg reported that the upgraded Siri will rely on large language models (LLMs), the same technology behind many generative AI tools. The upgraded Siri is expected to go beyond basic answers. Apple’s approach combines several new features. 

The assistant will be able to use users’ personal information and what’s currently on their screen to provide more tailored answers. It will also improve navigation within devices. The search interface is expected to handle text, photos, videos, and local results. It will also include an AI-powered summarization feature.

The initial rollout will focus on Siri, but Apple has also discussed adding the AI search tool to Safari and Spotlight, the iPhone’s home screen search function. If that happens, Apple devices would offer multiple AI-powered entry points for search.

Partnership with Google Gemini

A key part of this project involves Apple’s collaboration with Google. Bloomberg reported that Apple has agreed to test a custom-built version of Google’s Gemini AI model to power parts of the Siri upgrade. The model will help with tasks such as summarizing results and planning conversational responses.

The companies are still evaluating the scope of Gemini’s role, including whether it will power additional features beyond summarization. Apple is also considering Anthropic’s Claude and in-house models as alternatives. Running the technology on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers would allow the company to maintain its privacy commitments while still relying on external AI providers.

The new AI-powered Siri could impact Apple's AI search plans

If Apple’s AI search becomes a central part of iOS, it could impact how billions of searches are handled on iPhones. Today, many of those searches generate traffic for Google through Safari. If Siri provides more direct answers, that flow may change, potentially reducing the visibility of certain websites.

Reports also said Apple is already planning to build a separate chatbot-style app for search. While the company’s main focus is on integrating AI search into Siri, Safari, and Spotlight, a standalone app would give Apple another entry point to compete directly with ChatGPT and Perplexity.

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