Ex-Siri Head Reportedly Wanted Apple to Choose Google’s Gemini Over ChatGPT

Apple’s AI Dilemma: Gemini vs. ChatGPT

Apple has been riding the artificial intelligence wave, but recent revelations suggest internal debates shaped the direction of its strategy. A new report highlights that a key former executive—Apple’s ex-Siri chief—advocated for Google’s Gemini AI over OpenAI’s ChatGPT, adding fresh intrigue to Apple’s upcoming AI integrations.

The former Apple VP of engineering, who led Siri development, reportedly pushed for a more Google-centric approach to generative AI, even lobbying for Gemini to power Apple’s upcoming iOS AI features. Yet, Apple ultimately leaned toward OpenAI, opting to embed ChatGPT-like functionality into its products, as rumors and leaks intensify ahead of WWDC 2025.

AI at Apple: The Current Landscape

Apple has historically taken a conservative approach toward AI, preferring privacy-centric machine learning methods that happen on-device. While competitors like Google and Microsoft have aggressively pursued cloud-based large language models (LLMs), Apple held back—until now.

Here’s what we currently know:

• WWDC 2025 is expected to showcase Apple’s AI leap, with deep integrations of generative AI in Siri and Messages.
• OpenAI’s ChatGPT is expected to play a central role, potentially forming the backbone of Apple’s first wave of GenAI features.
• Google’s Gemini, while considered a contender, was ultimately passed over—despite internal support.

Why Apple Considered Google’s Gemini

According to TechCrunch and other tech news outlets, the former Siri head believed Gemini had certain advantages that made it a better fit for Apple’s software.

• Integration Potential: Gemini was reportedly designed with broader compatibility and seamless integration with Android and iOS platforms.
• Search and Assistant Synergy: Google’s experience in natural language processing and search gave Gemini a strategic edge, especially for AI assistant functionality.
• Flexibility and Speed: Gemini allegedly allowed for quicker fine-tuning and model updates, a must-have in fast-paced AI development.

Despite these advantages, Apple chose a different path—likely due to performance, privacy implications, and ongoing negotiations.

The Strategic Appeal of Gemini

Gemini, evolved from Google’s Bard, has grown into one of the top-performing LLMs in 2025. With the technological backing of Google’s AI research, Gemini impressed with:

• Multimodal capabilities: Supporting text, image, and code generation in a single model.
• API Accessibility: Easy integration for third-party developers, potentially attractive for Apple’s ecosystem strategy.

For Apple, prioritizing privacy and reliability, partnering with a company known for data-collection like Google may have raised concerns—especially in regions like Europe, where GDPR compliance is strict.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT: The Apple Pick

Ultimately, Apple looks to be deciding in favor of OpenAI’s ChatGPT for its first round of generative AI rollouts. Sources indicate that Apple and OpenAI have been deep in talks, with agreements and APIs being worked on ahead of WWDC.

Why Apple could have chosen ChatGPT over Gemini:

• Performance: ChatGPT-4.5 and its upcoming successor (likely GPT-5) offer top-tier NLP capabilities.
• Brand Zing: ChatGPT is synonymous with AI chat assistants for many consumers, potentially adding marketing value to iOS features.
• Developer Ecosystem: OpenAI’s APIs work well with Apple’s existing developer tools and operating systems.

Another possible reason? Avoiding excessive dependence on one of its biggest rivals—Google.

Apple’s AI Privacy Philosophy

One major factor in all AI decisions at Apple is its unrelenting focus on user privacy. Siri’s architecture still relies heavily on on-device processing, and Apple is careful about cloud data flows.

OpenAI, while also cloud-based, has made strides in offering enterprise-tier and secure APIs. That may give Apple more room to craft features that uphold its privacy promises.

Also, Apple appears to be building hybrid AI workflows in which:

• Basic queries are handled locally with in-house models
• Complex questions are sent to OpenAI’s models securely in the cloud

This two-pronged system lets Apple scale its GenAI efforts without fully handing over user data.

The Leadership Shuffle Behind the Scenes

The reported advocacy for Google Gemini came from the ex-Siri head—who left the company in late 2023—as part of an AI team leadership change. That departure coincides with Apple escalating its AI efforts by hiring John Giannandrea, a former Google AI chief.

Key leadership transitions at Apple:

• Departures: Several AI and Siri team leads exited during 2023–2024.
• Arrivals: Apple has staffed key AI roles with top talent from Google Brain, DeepMind, and academia.

While internal preferences and technical opinions may have diverged, Tim Cook’s Apple remains consistent on execution: deliberate, controlled, and focused on user experience.

WWDC 2025: What to Expect from Apple’s AI Strategy

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2025 will likely unveil a suite of new AI-enhanced features, indicating where the tech giant sees the market heading.

Rumors suggest:

• Siri 2.0: A revamped, context-aware assistant powered by a mix of on-device and cloud AI.
• GenAI in Messaging: Automatic replying, draft creation, and summary tools for Messages.
• Developer APIs: Apple could launch a new AI framework to allow developers to integrate generative features into their apps using Apple models or third-party services like OpenAI.

There are also whispers of Apple building its own foundational model—tentatively dubbed “Ajax” under Project Ferret—but it may not be ready for prime time in 2025.

Looking Ahead: Apple’s AI Future May Involve Multiple Models

Despite its partnership with OpenAI, Apple appears to be taking a platform-agnostic stance. Future versions of iOS and macOS might allow users to choose their preferred GenAI backend—be it OpenAI, Google, or others like Anthropic.

This strategy:

• Makes device AI more flexible and future-proof
• Reduces dependence on a single provider
• Opens monetization doors with partners or subscription add-ons through iCloud or App Store

In this light, even though Apple passed over Gemini for now, it doesn’t mean permanent rejection of Google’s tech.

Final Thoughts

The report that Apple’s ex-Siri head favored Google Gemini over ChatGPT gives us a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into Apple’s AI decision-making processes. It’s clear that multiple strategies and preferences were explored during Apple’s journey toward generative AI.

While OpenAI’s ChatGPT may currently be the chosen technology, Apple’s long-term strategy appears broader—embracing a multi-model ecosystem, privacy-centric execution, and deeply embedded AI experiences across devices.

The AI race continues, but Apple is playing its own game: patient, strategic, and always centered on refined user experience.

Stay tuned for more updates as WWDC 2025 unfolds and Apple reveals the next chapter in its AI evolution.< lang="en">