Former Siri Head Advocated for Google’s Gemini Over ChatGPT in AI Strategy

John Giannandrea, the former head of Siri, advocated for Google’s Gemini chatbot to be integrated with Siri. He is said to have recommended that Apple go with Gemini rather than OpenAI’s ChatGPT last year. This strategic move highlights the ongoing competition and differing perspectives within the tech industry regarding artificial intelligence and chatbot technology.

Giannandrea, a former Google executive himself, had long warned of ChatGPT’s unsustainability. He thought it was missing the staying power needed to really thrive as part of Apple’s ecosystem. He even took issue with OpenAI’s approach to protecting sensitive personal data. He argued that Gemini would help give users a more safe and secure option.

Apple’s foray into AI has recently come under intense fire, as reported in depth by a May 18th, 2025, Bloomberg report. The release of the report draws attention to the company’s patchwork but still growing efforts in artificial intelligence. That leaves many wondering what, exactly, is its strategy going forward. Giannandrea’s push for Gemini reveals the challenges Apple faces in establishing a significant AI footprint. Simultaneously, it calls attention to the cutthroat competition from other big tech companies.

Just last year, Apple made a big show about plans to incorporate just such chatbots—like Google’s Gemini—into Siri. This decision recognizes an emerging reality in which businesses are becoming more dependent on AI-powered technologies to improve the customer experience. His influence can be seen in how Siri’s capacity evolved to reflect a more human-oriented voice assistant. He underwent a highly publicized leadership demotion in March.

Adding natural language processing chatbots as a core technology of Siri seems to indicate a change for Apple. By exploring partnerships with Google and leveraging the capabilities of Gemini, Apple aims to bolster its offerings in a rapidly changing market. Deciding to prioritize Gemini over ChatGPT raises some eyebrows. It raises questions about the company’s broader commitment to innovation and the effectiveness of its overall AI strategies.