App changes worth watching for privacy, security, or subscription costs
A significant shift may be coming to how Siri handles your requests. Recent reports indicate Apple is developing a standalone Siri app that processes more data directly on your device rather than sending everything to the cloud. This change, paired with a reported partnership with Google’s Gemini AI models, could alter the privacy calculus for iPhone users who have grown wary of cloud-based AI assistants.
What happened
According to an Inc.com article from May 18, 2026, Apple’s next Siri update includes a “major privacy twist.” The Times of India the same day reported that Apple is working on a dedicated Siri app — similar in form to ChatGPT — that will prioritize on-device AI processing. Separately, Tech Times confirmed on January 12, 2026, that Apple and Google have a deal to integrate Gemini models into Siri and Apple Intelligence features.
On-device processing means that your voice requests, personal data, and context are analyzed locally on the iPhone or iPad rather than being relayed to Apple’s servers. This is not entirely new for Apple — the company has long emphasized on-device processing for features like Face ID and photo analysis — but applying it to a more powerful, AI-driven Siri would be a notable expansion.
Why it matters for everyday users
For most people, the main privacy concern with AI assistants is what happens to your data once it leaves your device. With cloud-based assistants like ChatGPT or Google Assistant, your queries are sent to remote servers, where they may be stored, analyzed, and in some cases used to train models. Even when companies promise anonymization, breaches or unintended exposure remain risks.
Apple’s move could reduce that risk by keeping the core AI processing local. Your conversations with Siri would not need to leave your phone to generate responses, plan events, or summarize messages. However, there are uncertainties. The Gemini partnership suggests that some complex tasks may still require cloud assistance — Apple has not confirmed exactly how the on-device / cloud split will work. Privacy advocates will watch closely to see whether users can opt out of cloud queries entirely.
Compared to other assistants, this would put Apple in a distinct position. ChatGPT and Google Assistant currently rely heavily on cloud processing. Amazon’s Alexa has moved toward more local processing with newer devices but still sends many requests to the cloud. If Apple manages to deliver a genuinely useful AI assistant that runs mostly locally, it could set a new default for privacy in the smart assistant market.
What readers can do now
Even before the update arrives, you can review how Siri currently handles your data:
Check your Siri & Search settings. Go to Settings > Siri & Search and look for options like “Improve Siri & Dictation.” Turning this off prevents Apple from storing your audio recordings and transcripts on its servers. Note that some features, like personalized suggestions, may still require data on your device.
Review app permissions. Siri may access data from third-party apps. In the same settings menu, scroll down to see which apps Siri can integrate with. You can revoke access for apps you don’t trust.
Limit voice training. The “Learn from this app” and “Suggestions” toggles for individual apps can be turned off. This reduces how much Siri learns from your usage patterns.
Wait for granular controls. When the new Siri app ships, look for settings that let you choose when to allow cloud processing. If Apple follows its usual pattern, you should be able to decide per request or per category of request.
Some privacy experts recommend keeping Siri on a “device-only” mode if one becomes available, unless you explicitly need a feature that requires cloud access. Apple has not yet announced such a toggle, but given the direction of the update, it is reasonable to expect more user control.
Sources
- Inc.com, “Apple’s Siri Update Could Include a Major AI Privacy Twist,” May 18, 2026.
- The Times of India, “Apple may give Siri a standalone ChatGPT-like app, with this one big privacy feature,” May 18, 2026.
- Tech Times, “Apple, Google Confirm Big Deal to Upgrade Siri, Apple Intelligence Using Gemini AI Models,” January 12, 2026.
This article reflects understanding as of May 2026. Apple has not officially announced the details of the Siri update, and some features may change before release.