Apple finally picks a side on Siri — and it’s Google
After months of rumours, Apple has finally confirmed its AI direction for Siri — and the answer is Google.
Apple has signed a multi-year deal with Google, making Gemini the core AI system behind Siri’s long-awaited upgrade. It’s a major win for Google — and it quietly shifts Apple’s high-profile ChatGPT partnership into the background.
What’s happening
Apple says Gemini offers the “most capable foundation” for its AI plans
The deal is reported to cost Apple around $1B per year
Siri’s upgraded AI experience is expected later this year
Apple insists its ChatGPT deal remains in place, but Gemini will power the core intelligence
Google briefly crossed a $4 trillion market cap following the announcement
Why it matters
This is Apple officially admitting that Siri’s AI problems are better solved by outsourcing to a rival than building everything in-house. It’s also a huge validation of Google’s rapid progress with Gemini — and an awkward moment for OpenAI, whose tech now sits alongside its biggest competitor inside Apple’s ecosystem.
Anthropic makes AI easier for non-technical users
Anthropic has launched Cowork, a new macOS tool that brings Claude’s “agent” abilities to everyday tasks — no coding required.
What Cowork does
Organises files and documents automatically
Builds reports and manages expenses
Connects with tools like Notion and Asana
Lets users assign tasks and check back later
Why it matters
Claude’s agent abilities have been powerful but intimidating for non-developers. Cowork reframes AI as something you delegate to, not something you configure — making advanced AI useful to a much wider audience.
Perplexity enters the browser race
Perplexity has launched Comet, an AI-first browser designed to actively help you research, plan, and shop.
What’s different
AI can plan trips, compare products, and research topics
It can interact with websites on your behalf
Paid plans unlock advanced automation and purchasing workflows
Why it matters
This isn’t just search with AI — it’s browsing where AI actually does things. Browsers may be the next big battleground for AI assistants.
Microsoft highlights a growing AI adoption gap
A new report from Microsoft shows global AI adoption reached 16.3% in late 2025 — but the gap between countries is widening fast.
Key findings
The UAE leads with 64% adoption
The US ranks just 24th, despite leading AI development
Developing nations are adopting AI at far lower rates
Open-source models like DeepSeek are gaining traction in underserved regions
Why it matters
Building AI is not the same as deploying it at scale. Accessibility, cost, and infrastructure matter just as much as innovation — and open models may play a huge role in closing the gap.
Summary
The bigger picture
This week’s updates all point in the same direction:
Big tech is choosing partners over pride
AI tools are becoming less technical and more practical
Adoption — not capability — is becoming the real challenge
AI isn’t just getting smarter. It’s quietly being woven into the tools people already use every day — whether they realise it or not.
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