Apple’s CEO confirms the tech giant’s growing focus on artificial intelligence, hinting at new AI partnerships, acquisitions, and a smarter Siri designed to redefine user experience.

Apple is making bold moves in artificial intelligence, and CEO Tim Cook wants investors to know the company isn’t slowing down. During Apple’s Q4 2025 earnings call, Cook reaffirmed that the company remains open to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to strengthen its AI strategy — signaling that innovation and collaboration are front and center in Apple’s roadmap.

“We’re open to pursuing M&A if we think that it will advance our roadmap,” Cook said, adding that Apple continually surveys the market for promising AI technologies and talent.

Apple’s Three-Pronged AI Strategy

When asked about Apple’s approach to developing personalized AI, Cook confirmed that the company continues to pursue a three-pronged model — combining in-house AI foundation models, strategic partnerships with third-party providers, and targeted acquisitions.

This structure allows Apple to balance control, privacy, and innovation, positioning itself as a player that can deliver cutting-edge AI features without compromising the company’s long-standing commitment to user data protection.

Next-Generation Siri Still on Track for 2026

Perhaps the most anticipated update came when Cook discussed the company’s next major AI rollout — the AI-powered Siri, slated to launch in 2026.

“We’re making good progress on it, and as we’ve shared, we expect to release it next year,” Cook said confidently.

This next-generation Siri will be powered by Apple’s proprietary foundation models and enhanced by Private Cloud Compute, Apple’s new secure system for processing AI tasks privately in the cloud. Cook revealed that this infrastructure is already being used for some Siri queries and will soon expand further.

“In fact, the manufacturing plant that makes the servers used for Apple Intelligence just started operations in Houston, and we’ve got a ramp planned there for use in our data centers. It’s robust,” he added.

Expanding AI Partnerships and Infrastructure

In a pre-earnings interview with CNBC, Cook hinted at more AI partnerships coming soon — similar to Apple’s ongoing collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence.

“Our intention is to integrate with more people over time,” Cook shared, underscoring Apple’s willingness to work with external innovators while still prioritizing a uniquely Apple experience.

Cook also detailed how the company builds and ships its foundation models across devices, using Private Cloud Compute to blend on-device AI and cloud processing. This hybrid approach allows Apple to scale AI features across iPhones, iPads, and Macs while keeping user data secure.

AI as a Key iPhone Selling Point

AI isn’t just a background feature anymore — it’s shaping how customers choose their next smartphone. Cook emphasized that Apple Intelligence is becoming a growing buying factor for consumers.

“I would say that Apple Intelligence is a factor, and we’re very bullish on it becoming a greater factor,” he said.

As more users experience Siri’s upcoming capabilities and Apple’s evolving AI ecosystem, the company expects AI-driven innovation to drive the next wave of iPhone upgrades.

The Bottom Line

With its blend of AI partnerships, in-house innovation, and strategic acquisitions, Apple is clearly preparing for a new era of intelligent technology. As Cook puts it, Apple’s roadmap is built on privacy, performance, and possibility — and the 2026 Siri launch could mark a turning point in how everyday users experience artificial intelligence.

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