Apple chooses Google's Gemini over OpenAI to power next-gen Siri in $1 billion partnership

Apple chooses Google's Gemini over OpenAI's ChatGPT to power next-gen Siri

The "more intelligent" version of Siri that Apple plans to release later this year will be backed by Google's Gemini language models, the company announced today. CNBC reports that the deal is part of a "multi-year partnership" between Apple and Google that will allow Apple to use Google's AI models in its own software. "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," reads an Apple statement given to CNBC. Today's announcement confirms Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reporting late last year that Apple and Google were nearing a deal. Apple didn't disclose terms, but Gurman said that Apple would be paying Google "about $1 billion a year" for access to its AI models "following an extensive evaluation period." Bloomberg has also reported that the Gemini model would be run on Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers, "ensuring that user data remains walled off from Google's infrastructure," and that Apple still hopes to improve its own in-house language models to the point that they can eventually be used instead of relying on third-party models.

Google's Gemini to power Apple's AI features like Siri | TechCrunch

It's official. Apple has chosen to work with Google, a longtime partner, to power AI features like Siri. "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," Apple and Google said in a statement. The partnership confirms previous reporting on a deal with Google. Neither Apple nor Google have confirmed the price tag, but previous reports indicate Apple could be paying Google around$1 billion for access to its AI technology. The deal also comes after Apple spent some time testing the technology of competitorslike OpenAI and Anthropic. The multi-year partnership will involve Apple using Google's Gemini models and cloud technology for future Apple foundational models. The deal is not exclusive, per a source familiar with the matter. Apple has historically focused on vertical integration, relying on its own hardware and software. The iPhone-maker has faced a fair amount of public chatter criticizing it after its AI efforts, particularly its assistant Siri, lagged behind competitors. That's not to say Apple hasn't been quietly building powerful foundational models. The company released the first versions of Apple Intelligence in 2024, which adds AI to existing OS functions like searching for photos and summarizing notifications. Apple has also focused on privacy with its AI rollout, with much of the processing happening on-device or through tightly controlled infrastructure. Apple says it will maintain those privacy standards throughout its partnership with Google. The firm's strategy has resulted in a subtle, sometimes invisible, occasionally resented form of AI - one that doesn't have the same wow factor as ChatGPT or Gemini. It also stops short of delivering the kind of Siri overhaul many users have been waiting for. Apple has delayed the rollout of its "more personalized Siri" voice assistant several times, but a spokesperson told TechCrunch an upgrade is coming this year. Previous reports indicate the overhauled Siri is expected to launch in the spring. Apple's partnership with Google also comes as the search and adtech giant is in the midst of multiple antitrust lawsuits, including one that put its relationship with Apple front and center. In August 2024, a federal judge ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search by paying companies like Apple to present its search engine as the default on its devices and web browsers. Between 2021 and 2022, Google paid Apple about $38 billion to secure default search placements. In December 2025, Judge Amit Mehta issued his final remedies on the case, which include banning Google from entering into exclusive, default agreements like the one it had with Apple "unless the agreement terminates no more than one year after the date it is entered."

Apple Picking Google Gemini to Power Siri Was About Buying Time

Apple's choice of Google's Gemini to power the next version of Siri was just as expected as peanut butter mixing deliciously with chocolate. Early this week, Apple and Google put out a joint statement saying that the iPhone maker and the online search giant would partner to bring Siri into the agentic AI era. What this means exactly is uncertain. What we do know is that Google's Gemini AI models will power the next generation of Apple foundation models. Knowing Apple, we likely won't see Google or Gemini branding all over iPhones, iPads and MacBooks. Instead, Apple is likely giving Google the ability to create a bespoke engine for Apple Intelligence. Apple, however, will be driving the car. "If this is a rom-com, you would say, in retrospect, that this was always going to be the outcome -- it just makes too much sense," said Andy Tsay, professor of information systems and analytics at Santa Clara University's Leavy School of Business. Apple's recent deal with Google follows years of the two companies working together to ensure dominance in their respective fields. Thanks to the Department of Justice's antitrust trial against Google, 2022 court documents revealed that Google paid Apple $20 billion to remain the default search engine across Apple devices. This disincentivized Apple from making a competing online search engine and Google was able to glean valuable data from Apple users. The deal also marks an end to Apple's bumpy road to creating its own AI models, at least for now. And Apple's current partnership with OpenAI for Apple Intelligence didn't yield the results fans were hoping for, although things have gotten better. As Google and Samsung continue to integrate AI deeply into their devices, Apple's partnership with Google ensures it doesn't remain behind for another year. Google and Apple didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome. It's likely that OpenAI and Anthropic heavily petitioned Apple to be the partner to power Apple Intelligence. Past financial partnerships and current technological innovation are why Google likely won out, observers said. "In terms of technology, I think Google's technology is far superior," said Humayun Sheikh, an early investor in DeepMind and current CEO and founder of Fetch.ai, a company that creates and/or facilitates connections between systems and AI agents. Google bought DeepMind in 2014 for $650 million. "Google probably, I would say, in my opinion, has the most grasp of what's going on in how to train these models and how to put these guardrails," Sheikh said. Sheikh acknowledged his bias toward Google as he's long been in business with the company. Fetch is currently working with Google to bring Gemini models to its Agentverse platform. "Google has a lot more experience on mobile devices as well, so they know how to optimize all of that better than OpenAI does, because they have their own phones and have their own mobile operating system," Sheikh said. With data, there's no company that siphons it up better than Google. It has access to data from billions of users worldwide, thanks to Google Search, Chrome and Android. It then lets advertisers bid to perfectly place targeted ads against that data. Apple users, however, are keenly attuned to privacy. The launch of Apple Intelligence put privacy as a top concern in a 2024 CNET study. Despite Apple users' privacy concerns, Google's long-term role as the default search engine has given it access to a lot of iPhone and iPad user data. Likely, consumers will be worried about what Gemini-powered Apple Intelligence might mean for their most sensitive on-device information. "It's unlikely that the user query will be directed to the Google server, I don't think that's the case," said Haibing Lu, professor and department co-chair of information systems and analytics at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business. Lu is also the co-founder and CTO of AIConform, a risk automation platform. What's more likely, Lu said, is that Google will build the model for Apple, and the AI will live on Apple's servers and devices. In essence, experts said, it matters less what AI models are being used and more how they're being deployed and whose server is hosting them. Having the world's second- and third-most valuable companies partner on AI could mean further entrenchment by Big Tech, pushing out smaller players like OpenAI, Anthropic and Mistral. This might upset regulators worldwide, but at least in America, it's likely this type of deal will be allowed to go through. Tsay said the Trump administration has been less keen to challenge Big Tech than the Biden administration was. "I take it as they've got no problem with this, whereas the previous administration probably would have had a big problem." Ultimately, with AI, Apple wants to achieve the initial promise of Siri, a digital companion that can make life easier for users. This requires a retooling of the assistant so that it can integrate with AI to understand what you want it to do and execute on it effectively. Getting there, however, means leveraging the technology from other agencies and firms. Apple Intelligence, for now, might be powered by Gemini, but that may not always be the case. "They may have bought a short-to-medium term solution," said Ashish Nadkarni, group vice president and general manager for worldwide infrastructure research at IDC, a global market intelligence and data company. "Remember Apple Maps? Google Maps was the default for a long time. Same with the search engine. It's Google for now. Could change." The reinvention of Siri for the AI age will mean a different relationship between users and software. Apps will become less prominent, fading into the background as Apple Intelligence picks up the slack. "Apple is seeing the fact that your reliance on multiple apps is going to come down, and you're going to be relying on one where agents can actually carry out the task," said Sheikh. "Hence the agentic system, because every agent needs to kind of be autonomous and have this cognitive ability to actually do something, understand something."

Apple lost the AI race -- now the real challenge starts

For an AI loser, Apple did an awful lot of winning last year. The mess that was the Apple Intelligence rollout was embarrassing, to be sure, but through it all, the company kept doing what it does best: selling iPhones. With this week's news that it'll use Gemini models to power the long-awaited smarter Siri, Apple seems to have taken a big 'ol L in the whole AI race. But there's still a major challenge ahead -- and Apple isn't out of the running just yet. Apple Intelligence got off to a well-documented rough start in 2024. The iPhone 16 was "Built for Apple Intelligence," but shipped without it. Features arrived over the next few months, but the so-called smarter Siri never materialized. Apple execs admitted they had gone back to the drawing board, people in charge were shuffled around, and it all looked like a big failure on Apple's part. But it doesn't exactly seem like people are ready to ditch their iPhones for Google's Gemini-imbued Android phones. According to IDC's Q3 2025 report, "Demand for Apple's new iPhone 17 lineup was robust, with pre-orders surpassing those of the previous generation." Counterpoint Research calls Apple the global smartphone "market leader" in 2025 with 10 percent year-over-year growth in market share. Meanwhile, Apple Intelligence is much less prominent in the iPhone 17's marketing than it was with the 16; you have to scroll halfway down the iPhone 17's product page before you get to the first mention. The stalling tactic worked, but these days investors break out in hives if you don't mention AI every five minutes. Apple had to come up with something in the way of a strategy, and in the second half of 2025, we started hearing reports that it might be looking at outside partners, rather than building its own models from scratch. It wouldn't be totally unprecedented; Apple already lets users access ChatGPT directly in iOS and has promised from the beginning that it would add more third-party LLMs in this fashion. But this week's deal isn't about adding a quick way to chat with Gemini on an iPhone. You can already do that in the Gemini app. This is about building smarter Siri on Google's models and running it all in Apple's Private Cloud Compute. If and when a smarter Siri arrives this year, it'll have some serious Gemini DNA. You could argue Apple made the right call from a business standpoint, but was it the right Apple move? Consider Tim Cook's own words in a 2009 earnings call: "We believe that we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products we make..." That was the foundation of the company's push to develop its own silicon, which has absolutely been a winning strategy. But either Apple thinks AI models aren't a primary technology after all -- more like an underlying service it will build products on top of -- or it has made a serious misjudgment about AI as the next platform shift and risks falling behind. Low stakes stuff! And to be sure, Apple doesn't control the destiny of every part of the iPhone. It hasn't gone out and built a search engine, or its own wireless network, or an algorithmic social media platform. All of those things run on an iPhone, but they aren't core parts of the iPhone's identity, and AI could very well wind up the same way. Maybe there's a hint in the way that Apple has seemingly shifted from encouraging developers to adopt its own App Intents framework to using the Anthropic-developed MCP as the basis for agentic features. If AI just needs to find the right hooks to get things done, then the particular models it's running matter less. But it all hinges on the product that Apple creates around AI -- and that starts with Siri. That's the real challenge ahead of Apple: turning Apple Intelligence into a product people actually want, not one that they feel indifferent toward. It needs to turn Siri into the thing the company has promised all along, not a glorified timer-setting machine. Apple can make a beautiful product -- no doubt. Can it do that without control over its own models? Can it do that faster than Google or Jony Ive or any other competitor ready to make a run at the garden walls? The deal may be inked, but the real work starts now.

Can Google save Apple AI? Gemini to power a new, personalized Siri

However, Siri still needs to be more reliable and less prone to errors. With pressure on Apple to finally get Siri right, the company is turning to its arch-rival in business for help. In a joint statement released Monday, Apple and Google announced a multi-year partnership in which Google's Gemini and cloud technology will power Apple Intelligence features, most notably a more advanced (and more personalized) Siri, which is expected to launch this spring. In the statement, Apple referred to Google's AI as the most capable platform for Apple Foundation Models, which lets you access and run large language models (LLMs) directly from your device. Also: How to remove Copilot AI from Windows 11 today "The next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology," the companies said. The idea is to utilize Gemini's advanced AI capabilities on the backend, while relying on Apple's own local models and Private Cloud Compute service to ensure that your conversations remain secure and protected on your device. Siri would rely on Google's advanced LLMs for more natural and fluid conversations. LLMs are trained on a vast amount of data to learn how to handle and process language and sound more human-like in their responses. Late to the AI game, Apple has struggled to fully develop and power its own advanced AI and LLMs, forcing it to rely on tools from other companies -- most notably OpenAI's ChatGPT. With Gemini on the backend, Siri should be able to act more like an advanced chatbot. Among the specific features in store, App Intents will enable Siri to work with Apple's own apps and those from third parties, while "personal context knowledge" will allow Siri to perform tasks based on its awareness of the data and preferences on your device. Also: Claude Cowork automates complex tasks for you now - at your own risk Another skill, called on-screen awareness, will enable Siri to "see" and work with what's on the screen based on your request. One more trick is "World Knowledge Answers," in which Siri would operate like a regular search engine as it scours the web to answer your question or request. Reports about the new and improved assistant, known as LLM Siri, began to appear in late 2024. At the time, Apple watcher Mark Gurman said that this upcoming version was already being tested internally on iPhones, iPads, and Macs as a standalone app. The goal was to launch the new Siri sometime in the spring of 2026. So far, that timeframe appears to be on track. The latest reports suggest that the new Siri will debut sometime in March with iOS 26.4. Also: How I used ChatGPT's $20 Plus plan to fix a nightmare bug - fast The new features and skills on Siri's to-do list all sound interesting and potentially useful. But the key question is whether the new Gemini integration will help Apple's error-prone and beleaguered assistant escape its problematic past. Far too often, Siri falls short of expectations, unable to respond to requests, misunderstanding what a user says, or providing incorrect answers. These problems are especially annoying when you're in the car trying to get driving directions, and Siri keeps giving you all the wrong information. Those of us who've used Siri for years just want a chatbot that works. Apple has promised that before and failed to deliver. With Gemini on the backend, we'll see if Siri finally gets that much-needed improvement.

Apple, Google Sign Deal to Use Gemini AI to Help Build the Future of Siri

Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook (Credit:Anna Moneymaker / Staff / Getty Images News via Getty Images) Apple is partnering with Google to power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri, slated to arrive later this year. In a joint statement released today, Apple said that after "careful evaluation," it has deemed Google's AI technology as "the most capable for Apple Foundation Models." The multi-year collaboration means the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology." Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices, when applicable, as well as in the company's Private Cloud Compute network, which maintains strict privacy standards. Though Apple Intelligence offers many features, the most important, and elusive, has been the more personalized version of Siri. First announced in 2024, it's been delayed multiple times, marring the Apple Intelligence rollout and sparking several false advertising class-action lawsuits. Apple has still not redesigned the voice assistant, though subsequent iOS updates have yielded some welcome incremental updates, such as the ability to text to Siri and answer device-specific questions, as well as more fluid conversations. In an October 2025 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said Apple was "making good progress" and the product would launch "next year," 9to5Mac reports. The announcement today confirms the company is planning on releasing it in 2026. Multiple reports from the last year indicated that Apple was searching for an AI partner, suggesting that its own Apple Foundation Models were not performing well enough in testing. In July, Apple said it was open to acquiring companies to help it get ahead in the AI race. Perplexity was reportedly among those it was considering. Also last summer, Bloomberg said Apple held talks with OpenAI and Anthropic about using their AI models to power the updated version of Siri. Apple already worked with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence. Today's deal is a major win for Google, which has been on a hot streak since releasing its Gemini 3 model, which many industry experts and members of the public found to perform better than OpenAI's latest models. OpenAI issued an internal "code red" in response and has since allocated more resources to ChatGPT leading up to the release of its GPT-5.2 model. (Our expert still prefers Gemini 3 over GPT-5.2.) Apple has also been busy reshuffling its executive team overseeing the development of AI features. In May, CEO Tim Cook reassigned the new Siri to Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell. Last month, it named former Gemini head Amar Subramanya as its vice president of AI. Perhaps his familiarity with Google's AI products sweetened the deal on the new partnership, and Apple now has the building blocks it needs to move forward.

Apple taps Google Gemini to lead Siri in from the wilderness

Partnership between behemoths raises questions about OpenAI's place at the iTable It may finally be time to take AI on the iPhone siri-ously. Apple and Google on Monday announced a multi-year partnership that will see Apple Foundation Models standing on the shoulders of Google Gemini models, one that will return a small portion of the roughly $20 billion Google pays annually to be Apple's default search provider. Terms of the tie-up have not been disclosed, but Bloomberg previously reported that Apple was planning to pay about $1 billion per year to utilize Google's AI technology. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," the two companies said in a joint statement. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." Apple's home-grown machine learning, despite some effort to show off rather than hide behind the usual secrecy, has been beset by unkept promises and staff departures. An updated Gemini-flavored version of Apple Intelligence is expected to debut later this year. The deal looks like a setback for OpenAI, brought in to buttress Siri in 2024 with support for ChatGPT as a Siri extension. Last month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly declared a "Code Red" to signal the urgency of responding to improvements in Google's Gemini model family. Apple, in theory, has some strong cards to play in the AI game, specifically hardware suited for running local models and its public commitment to privacy, which like security has been something of an afterthought among commercial AI model makers. Apple's Private Cloud Compute system for handling AI queries in a way that protects private data proved compelling enough that Google announced a similar scheme dubbed Private AI Compute more than a year later. That might mean more if customers demanded AI device integration, but so far interest in AI hardware has been tepid. AI PCs are not exactly flying off the shelves and Dell reportedly downplayed AI features at CES 2026. Part of the issue is that, while local models may eventually be a thing, the trade-offs required for on-device inference, particularly on mobile devices, keep people looking to cloud-based AI services for the time being. Demand for AI on mobile devices is further complicated by public disinterest in AI phone features. A survey of 2,000 smartphone users in late 2024 found that 73 percent of iPhone customers and 87 percent of Samsung customers said AI added little or no value to their devices. Samsung, for its part, appears to be pushing back on that narrative by noting that people don't recognize how much they already use AI-powered functions on their phones. A Samsung survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Talker Research found that 90 percent of Americans use AI on mobile devices. But only 38 percent of respondents recognize how many device features have AI elements, such as weather alerts, call screening, autocorrect, voice assistants, auto brightness, and photo editing features. By the time Apple rewires Siri to work with Gemini, maybe the company will have figured out how AI can add value for customers in a way they recognize and appreciate. ®

Apple's major Siri upgrade is powered by Google's Gemini

* Apple will use Google's Gemini to power the revamped, more personal Siri later this year. * Apple Intelligence stays on devices and Private Cloud Compute while preserving Apple's privacy standards. * Adopting Gemini ends Apple's OpenAI tie; the OpenAI partnership will close when the update ships. Apple has confirmed that it will use Google's Gemini AI model to power the upgraded, more personal version of Siri it plans to launch later this year, backing up several months of rumors. In a joint statement about the multi-year partnership, Google and Apple said that "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." Apple says that Apple Intelligence will still run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute. The Cupertino, California-based tech giant has been working on an upgraded, more personalized version of Siri that understands personal context, for the past year. Last March, Apple delayed the smarter version of Siri's release after stating that the project was taking "longer than we thought." This marks a stark change for Apple given it's currently working with OpenAI's ChatGPT. While Siri operates just as it always has on-device, Apple Intelligence users have the option to tap in ChatGPT for more knowledge-based questions. Apple's new unified approach to Siri with Google and Gemini means that its partnership with OpenAI will come to a close whenever the update releases. XDA Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of Windows, software, PC components, and more with XDA Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. Given Apple is so far behind its competitors in the AI space, it makes sense for the company to choose Google's Gemini as its go-to provider in the space, especially given the company's recently launched Gemini 3 AI model is believed to be one of the best out there currently. Google wants to reinvent Gmail's inbox with AI -- and some features actually sound useful If you're as tired of hunting through you Gmail inbox as I am, Smart Overviews might be the feature you've been waiting for. Posts By Patrick O'Rourke

Google, Apple enter into multi-year AI deal for Gemini models

Jan 12 (Reuters) - Alphabet (GOOGL.O), opens new tab said on Monday it had entered into a multi-year deal with Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab where the next generation of the iPhone maker's AI models will be based on Google's Gemini models. The tie-up signals a strong vote of confidence in Google's AI technology, after its most recent version of Gemini launched to strong reviews, intensifying pressure on rivals. Google's models will power Apple's future "Apple Intelligence" features, including the revamped Siri, set to launch this year. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," Google said in a statement. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Apple confirms Google Gemini will power Siri, says privacy remains a priority

Apple and Google have confirmed that the next version of Siri will use Gemini and Google Cloud in a multi-year collaboration between the two tech giants. Until now, Apple has been using its own AI model for Siri, but its performance has been subpar compared to the likes of GPT, Gemini, or even Copilot. Now, Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration. As part of this partnership, future versions of Siri will use Gemini models. In addition, Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and hosted on Google's cloud platform. "These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year," Google noted in a press release. " After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users." Apple says that Apple Intelligence will run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, and the company's long-standing privacy commitment is not being compromised.

What Apple and Google's Gemini deal means for both companies

For years, Apple and Google have had a will-they-won't-they type of relationship, as far as which AI company Apple would pick to underpin its Siri virtual assistant and give it new AI-fueled personalization and agentic capabilities. Apple has spent the last year or two playing the field, reportedly considering working with OpenAI or Anthropic to support the new Siri. But in a multiyear partnership announcement worthy of a The Bachelor-style finale, Apple announced that it would live happily ever after with Google -- that the company's Gemini AI models will underpin a more personalized version of Apple's Siri, coming sometime in 2026. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," Google and Apple wrote in a joint statement. The deal allows Apple to use both Gemini AI and Google's cloud technology to power its future frontier models and Apple Intelligence features, the companies said, adding that Apple Intelligence "will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." The latter point was highlighted by analysts at Morningstar, who wrote in a note on Monday that the agreement will help Apple's reputation for security and privacy "remain intact, as it will use Gemini instances on its own servers in its own data centers via its Private Cloud Compute offering for AI processing." The analysts added that they "expect users will be able to opt in to sharing prompts with Gemini directly, as well." But what does this deal actually mean for both companies? It's not clear yet exactly how the exchange of technology will work. Is Google providing its AI models for Apple to white-label and build upon via Apple's own AI team, or is Google going to work hand in hand with Apple to ensure a successful end product in the new Siri? We'll see. But the fact that the company's joint statement emphasized the "private cloud compute" of it all means that at the very least, Apple's new deal with Google will be similar from a privacy standpoint to its deal with OpenAI in Siri. Apple will likely prompt a user for their permission before sharing anything directly with Google, William Kerwin, senior equity analyst at Morningstar, told The Verge. On the surface, Apple and Google might appear to be rival tech giants, but the two companies have had a close, complex relationship for more than a decade. In particular, the two are connected by a mysterious longtime deal that involved Apple products featuring Google as the default search engine on its devices, which at one point was responsible for almost half of Google's search traffic. Bruce Sewell, Apple's former general counsel, described the idea of "co-opetition" to The New York Times, saying, "You have brutal competition, but at the same time, you have necessary cooperation." Google paid Apple up to $20 billion per year to maintain its position as the default search engine on Apple devices, via Apple's Safari browser. After a drawn-out antitrust lawsuit, a federal district court judge ruled last fall that Google could continue making such payments. That remedy ruling paved the way for Monday's announcement -- and the "co-opetition" involved means both companies stand to benefit significantly, even though the rumored $1 billion-per-year payment from Apple to Google is in many ways negligible in such a high-value industry. The comparatively low annual payment helps illustrate how mutually beneficial the partnership is: a win-win for two FAANG companies helping each other bolster the ramparts against the high-flying AI startups that could upset their longtime advantage. "From Apple's perspective, it's certainly a win if you think about the pain that they've had in their AI strategy up to this point," Morningstar's Kerwin said. "The long and short of it is that they over-promised back in the summer of 2024, and they under-delivered, still, now, what they promised." He added that the multiyear agreement means that Apple can stop investing in building up a reputation as a frontier model company and focus instead on user experience with a different company's AI foundation, as well as finally, potentially, becoming a key player in the AI agent providers' battle for consumer attention -- which requires AI agents that are, in theory, so useful that they break into the consumer market in a new and unprecedented way. On Google's side of things, Kerwin said, "the win is similar to what they get with their Search in that they become, in the mind of the consumer, a de facto option as an AI model ... This will give them a ton more users from the iphone user base and also really cement that brand image as a go-to AI model that supports all these features." Even so, experts say, the deal may end up causing the same scrutiny that Google just finished dealing with. "I think that it was possible from the Google antitrust trial that Google could have been blocked in advance from making deals like this -- [it's] certainly a possible remedy that could've been on the table and was not adopted by the judge," James Grimmelmann, a professor of digital and information law at Cornell Tech and Cornell Law School, told The Verge. Part of the government's case in the Search trial was aimed precisely at preventing Google from making similar sweetheart AI deals, though Google largely got its way on that front. "That's not to say that this deal will not raise antitrust concerns, and it's possible that some years from now Google could be facing a new antitrust trial for being the AI provider to Apple in the same way that it was facing antitrust scrutiny for being the search provider," Grimmelmann said. "If you think back to when Google started showing up as a default search provider and these placement deals started, that was a less concentrated search market. So it could be that the market could evolve in a way that would make a deal like this more problematic over time." The details of the arrangement between Apple and Google aren't quite clear yet, and those details matter from both an antitrust and an AI business standpoint, said Blake Reid, an associate professor of law at the University of Colorado Law School. "The core concern around the Apple-Google search deal was that Apple sending such a huge volume of queries to Google would provide Google a moat by making it harder for anyone else to build a competitive search engine," Reid said. "But is Apple going to be sending data in a similar way here? Apple's initial statement indicates that they will use Google's technology as more of a white-labeled technology stack that they will customize and deploy as an Apple service. If Google is only getting money from Apple, that makes the antitrust problem less obvious." The announcement also comes after Apple's much-publicized trials and tribulations attempting to upgrade Siri's AI capabilities to deliver more personalization and agentic task completion. At the company's Worldwide Developers Conference last June, mentions of Siri were conspicuously absent, aside from the announcement that previously promised updates were running behind schedule. "We're continuing our work to deliver the features that make Siri even more personal," Craig Federighi, Apple's SVP of software engineering, said during the June event. "This work needed more time to reach our high quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year." That time, evidently, is now. It's been a semi-embarrassing year for Apple's AI strategy: Apple Intelligence summaries of messages that were significantly off the mark, TV ads for new Siri features that ran last year (even though those features still haven't arrived), and reportedly replacing longtime AI chief John Giannandrea with Mike Rockwell, who previously led Apple's Vision Pro. So the company is turning things around with a new high-profile Google partnership and a suite of coming AI integrations with other startups. "Apple is concerned that the rise of AI threatens to go completely around it -- that it had a unique relationship with users because of its devices and its hardware-software integration, and that AI threatens to circumvent that relationship in the same way that the browser rise of the web deeply threatened Microsoft's relationship with its users," Cornell's Grimmelmann said. "Apple choosing first to try to develop its own AI models and then to partner with Google here -- this is its attempt to remain in that relationship and remain relevant."

Apple and Google are teaming up on AI. What it means for both stocks

Wall Street analysts believe the new partnership between Apple and Alphabet strengthens the investment cases for both companies. The two "Magnificent Seven" giants announced Monday that they would be entering a multiyear collaboration where Google's Gemini AI and cloud technology would power future Apple features, including an AI-charged and personalized Siri expected later this year. Apple is expected to pay an annual fee of around $1 billion for access to Google's Gemini large language models. Analysts affirmed their belief that this deal solidifies Alphabet's solid AI leadership and bolsters the long-term value for both companies. In terms of Alphabet's bull case, this deal underscores Google's core AI advantage led by Gemini, wrote Citi analyst Ronald Josey, who currently has a buy on Alphabet. Josey reiterated Alphabet as one of his top Internet picks. His $350 price target implies an upside of 5% ahead for the stock. Bank of America analyst Justin Post also has a buy rating on the stock but hiked his price target to $370 from $335, corresponding to a potential gain of 11%. Post similarly pointed to this partnership as proof of Alphabet's solid footing to lead the AI era. "While the deal was expected based on press reports, we see the agreement as an important endorsement for Google's AI capabilities, reinforcing Gemini's position as a leading LLM for mobile devices," he wrote. "Also, the deal should also help reinforce investor confidence in the durability of Google's search distribution and long-term monetization on Apple devices." Analysts such as JPMorgan's Samik Chatterjee similarly took the announcement as a confidence booster in Apple's roadmap to launch a slate of enhanced Apple Intelligence features including an updated Siri. Chatterjee said this is a medium-term solution, as Apple is likely to continue evaluate in-house approaches for the long term, but acknowledged that there is a possibility this multi-year partnership turns into a longer term one. The analyst has an overweight rating and $305 price target assigned to the stock, implying upside of 17% from Monday's close. Evercore ISI Amit Daryanani was another supporter of Apple's base case. He maintained his outperform rating and $330 price target, which is approximately 27% above Monday's close. "We believe the Apple-Google partnership, which was widely reported before, allows Apple to get the best of both worlds -- as Apple upgrades its current model stack with the well-received Gemini 3 model while also opening new vectors for potential monetization," he wrote.

Apple calls on Google to help smarten up Siri and bring other AI features to the iPhone

Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch up in technology's latest craze. The deal allowing Apple to tap into Google's AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google's Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" on the iPhone and other products. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple's AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone's AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple's AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn't happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google's competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a "major validation moment for Google," in a Monday research note. Google's AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of $4 trillion for the first time during early morning trading before slipping back below that threshold later in the session. Even so, Alphabet's market value remained about $150 billion above Apple, which for years ranked as the world's most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes. Three other companies have joined the $4 trillion club in the past year, with AI chipmaker Nvidia becoming the first last July. Apple and Microsoft also broke the barrier last year, although the market values of those two longtime rivals are now below $4 trillion. Nvidia's market value briefly topped $5 trillion in late October, before backtracking amid recurring worries that the hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into AI technology may be creating an investment bubble that will eventually burst. With its chipsets designed for AI still in high demand, Nvidia remains atop the heap with a $4.5 trillion market value. Alphabet's stock price has been on a tear since early September when Google dodged the U.S. government's attempt to break up its internet empire following a ruling last year that branded its ubiquitous search engine an illegal monopoly. In an effort to prevent further abuses, a federal judge overseeing the case ordered a shake-up that investors widely interpreted as a relative slap on the wrist, resulting in a 36% increase in Alphabet's stock price since then that has created an additional $1.4 trillion in shareholder wealth. The ruling also left the door open for a long-running alliance in search between Google and Apple. Google pays Apple more than$20 billion annually to be the preferred search engine on the iPhone and other Apple products -- an arrangement that is still allowed with a few modifications under the judge's decision in the search case.

Apple turns to Google to power AI upgrade for Siri

However, experts say it demonstrates how Apple's cautious approach to building and rolling out its own AI tools has left it reliant on other companies. "By outsourcing the foundational layer of its AI to Google, Apple is effectively admitting that its internal efforts couldn't compete with Google's Gemini in terms of capability and scale in the short term," IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said. He told the BBC while the move was "a significant and pragmatic strategy" for Apple, it also marked a departure from its historic approach to development. "Apple always preferred to own every layer of its technology," he said, adding that doing so "gave them an edge against their competitors". Nonetheless he and other analysts say the deal is likely to be welcomed by consumers, noting demand among many iPhone users for AI features as Google, Samsung and other smartphone manufacturers continue to bring these to their handsets. Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore said Apple's latest financial results suggested AI was not the most sought-after feature for people deciding whether to buy an iPhone. But he told the BBC "this will gradually change as AI-powered services gain adoption". This is not the first deal Apple has struck with an AI firm. It unveiled a similar partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI in June 2024, which made the popular chatbot available as part of its suite of generative AI tools, Apple Intelligence. Google and Apple said in a joint statement on Monday that Apple Intelligence would continue to operate in Apple's Private Cloud Compute system. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," they said. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards."

Apple couldn't build the best AI for Siri, so it's borrowing Google's

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. In a nutshell: Apple is once again turning to Google, extending a long-running partnership rooted in search to underpin its most advanced consumer-facing AI efforts yet. In a joint statement, the companies confirmed a new multi-year agreement that will bring Google's Gemini into Apple's next-generation Foundation Model, a move that will ripple across Siri and other AI features within the Apple Intelligence platform. As rivals across Big Tech continue pouring billions into the race for AI supremacy, Apple appears to be opting for a leaner, more pragmatic strategy, one shaped by its apparent inability to ship a homegrown generative AI system that can rival today's market leaders. Under the deal, Gemini will enhance upcoming Apple Intelligence features and serve as the backbone for a more personalized version of Siri slated to arrive later this year. Reports suggest Apple began early discussions with Google back in 2025, exploring how a customized Gemini model could power its next-generation digital assistant. "After careful evaluation, Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models, and we are excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," the Cupertino tech giant said. Also see: Google's parent Alphabet surpasses Apple in market cap for the first time since 2019 Apple emphasized that Apple Intelligence will remain exclusive to its own devices and services. Integrated with the company's Private Cloud Computing architecture, the platform is expected to maintain the same privacy standards Apple already promotes across the rest of its ecosystem. The partnership lands amid a complicated AI rollout. Apple first unveiled new AI-powered Siri capabilities in June 2025 alongside the debut of Apple Intelligence, but later pushed the assistant's launch to 2026. Today's Siri relies on ChatGPT, and Apple says it does not plan to change its existing agreement with OpenAI - a curious position given its newly announced collaboration with Google. The joint statement's reference to a new generation of Foundation Models built on Gemini suggests both efforts may operate in parallel. Pressure is mounting. Apple Intelligence, which blends on-device processing with server-side AI, has so far drawn mostly underwhelming reactions. Behind the scenes, however, Cupertino has continued advancing its AI initiatives with new data training methods, technology upgrades, and expanding internal testing. Apple has long collected billions of dollars from Google to keep it the default search engine on iPhone and other Apple devices, a dynamic that now appears to be repeating itself in the age of AI chatbots and large language models (albeit the other way around). The arrangement underscores an increasingly complex relationship in which Google is both a critical partner and a direct competitor. That tension is only intensifying as Alphabet rides a broader AI-fueled rally: the Google parent's shares surged 65% last year, pushing its market capitalization past $4 trillion this week, and making it only the fourth company ever to reach that milestone. In the process, Alphabet surpassed Apple in market cap for the first time in roughly seven years.

Apple confirms: Gemini will power a new and improved Siri this year

The partnership was first reported in November, but has only now been officially confirmed. Apple is partnering with Google to incorporate Gemini into Siri and Apple Intelligence. The two companies have announced a multi-year deal that'll see Apple build on Google's AI models to power AI features on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including with "a more personalized Siri" arriving this year. "Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," a joint statement published on Google's Keyword blog says.

Apple Taps Google Gemini to Give Siri an AI Glow-Up

Apple's AI-powered revamp of Siri will finally launch later this year, and the Cupertino giant has officially chosen Google's Gemini to power it. "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology," Google and Apple shared in a joint statement on Monday. "These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year." Although Google is providing the technology, Apple's AI features will continue to run on Private Cloud Compute, Apple's own secure cloud-based system. Bloomberg first reported in September of last year that Apple was looking to pay Google around $1 billion annually for a custom Gemini model, after weighing models from OpenAI and Anthropic. If the rest of that report also stands true, the new system is called World Knowledge Answers, a tool to create a search experience on Apple devices and summarize web searches, and may also be added to Safari and Spotlight. When the news hit the markets, Google became the fourth company to breach the $4 trillion market value benchmark, only four months after it hit $3 trillion. Google is proving itself to be a force to be reckoned with in the AI field. In November, the tech giant unveiled its latest Gemini model to a chorus of internet fanfare, with many praising the model as better than OpenAI's ChatGPT. Not only is Google challenging OpenAI's chatbot domination, it's also putting up a fight against Nvidia's hold over AI chips with its tensor processing units. Meanwhile, Apple hasn't been hitting remotely the same highs in artificial intelligence. Apple announced Apple Intelligence, its AI initiatives that include the AI-enhanced Siri in 2024. The AI Siri, dubbed "LLM Siri," was supposed to arrive in early 2025, and Apple even released ads promoting the new iPhone with the AI-enhanced Siri capabilities, but the Cupertino giant had to push the reveal back at the last minute, in a move that disappointed fans, reportedly caused an internal rift at the company, led to an executive shakeup and even a federal lawsuit accusing the company of false advertising. The fallout of the LLM Siri delay debacle pushed CEO Tim Cook to admit that Apple had fallen behind competitors in the AI race and start a complete overhaul of its research and development teams. “Apple must do this. Apple will do this. This is sort of ours to grab,†Cook told employees in a rare all-hands meeting in August, according to Bloomberg, and called the AI revolution “as big or bigger†than the internet. In the same call, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi promised that the new and renewed LLM Siri was getting "a much bigger upgrade than we envisioned." Apple's future as a worthy competitor in the AI space is riding on the performance and reception of LLM Siri. That future will be determined later this year (though you can't be sure with Apple's track record of overpromising), and Apple has the help of Google, perhaps one of the hottest names in AI right now.

iPhones might finally catch up to Android in this one area

Aggy is a veteran writer and editor in the technology and gaming space. Having served as a Managing Editor for high-traffic digital publications, alongside being an editor and consultant for over a dozen sites. Aggy's published work spans a wide and respected array of tech and gaming outlets, including WePC, Screen Rant, How-To Geek, Android Police, PC Invasion, and Try Hard Guides. Beyond editorial work, Aggy's direct experience in the tech sphere extends to app development. Aggy has published two games under Tales and is always eager to learn and do more. He also likes working on computers and researching in his spare time. He knows about Windows, Linux, Audio, Video, and much more. Apple is finally making a massive move to catch up in the AI race by partnering with Google to power a revamped version of Siri later this year. Under the multi-year deal, Apple will rely on Google's cloud architecture and Gemini lineup to underpin its upcoming foundational AI models. This news is surprising, but not unwarranted. Anyone who has paid attention to the AI landscape over the last couple of years could see Apple needed some help. While competitors like Microsoft and Google have been investing billions in new tools and models, Apple has largely remained on the sidelines. The company even had to delay the major Siri AI upgrade it had planned for last year until 2026. This partnership shows that Apple decided its proprietary development efforts simply weren't moving fast enough to deliver the impressive voice upgrade that users have been waiting for. Apple stated that "after careful evaluation," they found Google provided the "most capable foundation" for their needs. This is a huge win for Google. It also highlights the intense pressure Apple has been facing, especially since Google's market capitalization recently surpassed Apple's for the first time since 2019. The partnership means that when you use the new Siri, your queries will likely be routed through Google's infrastructure. While it is expected that Apple will run a custom Gemini model locally on its own servers for some tasks, relying on a third party for foundational models comes with some compromises. Granting a giant like Google access to core Apple data streams means ceding some control over user interactions. This is still a concern, regardless of how secure the companies claim the process is. Google certainly seems prepared for the task. The company has seen tremendous momentum with its AI agenda, recently introducing the upgraded Gemini 3 model. Google's CEO said the company delivered its first-ever $100 billion quarter last year, firmly establishing itself in the generative AI era. Google is currently processing an astronomical amount of data. The company's first-party models now process 7 billion tokens a minute through direct API usage alone. The Gemini app has also seen massive adoption, hitting 650 million monthly active users while query volume tripled in the last quarter. We are already seeing how deeply Google is integrating AI into its own hardware and software. The Pixel 10 series of devices uses the Tensor G5 chip, which is specifically designed to run on Gemini. Google also launched Android XR, its new operating system for headsets and glasses, with Gemini at the core. This move should put Siri on a much better footing against other voice assistants that have been steadily improving their contextual understanding and complexity. Subscribe for deeper coverage of Apple-Google AI moves The newsletter provides focused coverage of AI partnerships -- like Apple's deal with Google -- and explains what those collaborations mean for voice assistants, privacy trade-offs, and platform competition, with context for developers and device makers. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. These AI-powered Siri features will roll out later this year. We don't have exact details on which specific devices will support the new features, or if the update will come as part of iOS 26 or a later release. However, keep an eye on Apple, as a detailed announcement should come within the next few months.

Apple bets on Google Gemini to deliver AI-powered Siri

Apple is significantly behind Google, Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI in the AI race. Despite the hype, Apple Intelligence failed to live up to expectations, and the long-delayed AI-powered Siri is nowhere in sight. Reports from a few months ago claimed Apple could tap Google Gemini to make Siri better. And today, the two companies have made this partnership official. Google and Apple have signed a multi-year partnership that will allow Apple to base future Apple Foundational models on Google Gemini. As part of this, Apple will also use Google's cloud technology. Apple was reportedly working on its in-house AI models for more Apple Intelligence features and an AI-powered Siri. But with multiple high-profile exits in its AI division and the team's inability to deliver in the past, the company also supposedly began internally evaluating models from OpenAI or Google to power its AI features. Apple added ChatGPT integration to the iPhone with iOS 18, enabling Siri to pass complex queries to ChatGPT. Even then, Apple went with Gemini for its foundation models, likely due to its close relationship with Google. The latter already pays Apple billions of dollars every year to remain the default search engine on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Apple issued the following statement to CNBC: After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users. It's important to note that Apple will use Gemini for its foundation models. So, Gemini will not directly power Siri, but the layer below it. Gemini-powered Siri to run on Apple's servers Apple could always add its own improvements and customizations on top for a better experience. Additionally, Google Gemini-powered Apple Foundation Models will only run on Apple's Private Cloud Compute and follow the company's privacy standards. Subscribe to our newsletter for Apple-Google AI coverage Get clearer context by subscribing to the newsletter for in-depth coverage and practical analysis of pivotal AI developments, including Apple's choice of Google Gemini, its privacy trade-offs, and what it means for Siri's future. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. Multiple reports point to Apple releasing the long-delayed AI-powered Siri with iOS 26.4 in March or April this year. Apple initially announced the smarter Siri at WWDC24, but ultimately delayed its release until 2026. Whenever it arrives, the next-generation Siri will be capable of taking actions across multiple apps using voice commands. It should also be able to pull relevant contextual information from various system apps.

Apple taps Google Gemini models to bolster Siri amid AI competition

Apple is reshaping its artificial intelligence strategy by partnering with Google to power future AI features, including a long-awaited Siri upgrade. The companies confirmed a multi-year agreement on Monday, marking a rare collaboration between two longtime rivals. The move comes as pressure builds on Apple to show progress in AI, as competitors move faster and spend more. In a statement obtained by CNBC, Apple said the partnership will rely on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology to support future Apple Foundation Models.

Apple picks Google's Gemini AI for its big Siri upgrade

Apple has spent the past year working on an AI-upgraded version of Siri that's supposed to perform actions on your behalf, as well as understand your personal context. The company delayed the update last March after admitting that it's taking "longer than we thought." As part of these efforts, Bloomberg reported that Apple considered using a custom version of Gemini for AI-powered features in Siri, including a "World Knowledge Answers" capability that allows users to search for information and receive AI-generated summaries using results from the web. The company also reshuffled its AI team, replacing AI chief John Giannandrea with Vision Pro head Mike Rockwell, according to Bloomberg. Giannandrea stepped down from Apple last month.

Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming this year

The multi-year partnership will lean on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology for future Apple foundational models, according to a statement obtained by CNBC's Jim Cramer. "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," Apple wrote. In August, Bloomberg had reported that Apple was in early talks with Google to use a custom Gemini model to power a new iteration of Siri. Last week, the search giant's market capitalization surpassed Apple for the first time since 2019. The news sent up shares of both tech giants, with Google surpassing a $4 trillion market value. Apple has mostly stood on the sidelines of the AI frenzy that's swept up Wall Street since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT at the end of 2022. That's amped up the pressure on the iPhone maker to deliver a competitive offering.

Apple Intelligence Siri is over a year late, but that might be a good thing - 9to5Mac

Apple Intelligence-powered Siri is very late, to say the least. That's largely been because Apple has struggled to keep up with developing their own AI models. I'd say its largely played out this way because Apple has been hesitant to wanting to spend a lot of money, not to mention that Apple's stance on privacy makes it hard to train a model - Apple just doesn't have much data. Nonetheless though, this delay actually comes with a bit of upside. This week, Apple and Google announced that Gemini models will run on Apple's private cloud compute servers to power future Apple Intelligence features, including the all-new Siri that was announced at WWDC24. While this does cover the more intensive features, local models will still be a part of the picture. When announced at WWDC24, Apple Intelligence required an A17 Pro or later. That meant it was only available on the latest (and highest end) iPhone models: iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. All of this time passing means one thing: a lot more people have an Apple Intelligence-capable device. Everyone who bought any iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 model at all in the past two years (plus anyone who already had an iPhone 15 Pro), will be able to use Apple Intelligence. There's now 11 Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone models that have had a fair share of time in the market. There were only 2 when the features initially debuted, or 6 if you add in the freshly-launched iPhone 16 models. That's a pretty big deal. When Apple Intelligence just launched, it almost felt like a selling point of the iPhone 16 series. Now, it'll just be a free software update for devices that now take up a substantial portion of the iPhone customer base. It's hard to dig into the technical details of what new Apple Intelligence features will look like, since they're yet announced. Local models will likely still carry a lot of lift, even with Google Gemini on Private Cloud Compute handling most Siri requests. Ultimately though, whether a specific feature uses a local model or not, Apple will likely follow with the approach of all Apple Intelligence features requiring a device that can support local models. When new Siri begins to roll out in iOS 26.4 this spring, and additional Apple Intelligence features roll out with iOS 27, there'll be a much more positive story to be told, now that so many more iPhone users will get to experience it. Assuming all works well, at least.

OpenAI reportedly passed on Siri -- now Apple's Gemini deal could be worth billions

The reported multi-billion-dollar deal could reshape Apple Intelligence in 2026, putting Google's Gemini at the center of Siri's next evolution According to a new report, Apple's agreement with Google could end up costing the iPhone maker an eye-watering amount over time -- and it also reveals that OpenAI chose not to pursue a deal that would have made it Siri's core AI provider. The news, first reported by The Financial Times, highlights just how high the stakes have become in the AI race, where the best models are now valuable enough to command multi-billion-dollar licensing deals. Apple's AI plan is getting expensive -- fast Apple has spent years building its own AI systems known as Apple Intelligence, but the company has also made it clear it's willing to partner when needed, especially as consumer expectations for AI assistants shift. Siri is no longer being compared to other voice assistants -- it's being compared to ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. And in 2026, those tools do so much more than respond to queries, they also understand context, interpret images and help users complete tasks. They summarize emails, understand context, interpret images, and help users complete tasks. That's why Apple leaning on Gemini matters: it suggests Apple is prioritizing speed and capability over waiting for an entirely in-house solution to catch up. And it's not a small partnership, either. The report suggests the deal could cost Apple billions as it scales. OpenAI reportedly didn't want the Siri job One of the most surprising details in the reporting is that OpenAI -- the company behind ChatGPT -- reportedly decided against becoming Apple's custom model provider for Siri. In other words, OpenAI had the chance to be the "brain" behind Siri's next era, and it passed. That doesn't mean ChatGPT disappears from Apple devices. Apple has already integrated ChatGPT in certain experiences, and that relationship could still continue in a limited or optional way. But it does suggest OpenAI isn't interested in being the behind-the-scenes infrastructure for Apple's assistant -- especially if it limits OpenAI's ability to control the product experience, roadmap, or data flow. Why this is a major win for Google If Gemini becomes a core layer powering Siri and Apple Intelligence experiences, it puts Google's AI technology in front of one of the biggest user bases on the planet -- iPhone owners who may not have otherwise touched Gemini directly, since Gemini has primarily been integrated into Android and Samsung devices. It also reinforces a bigger trend: AI models are becoming platforms and licensing them is turning into a massive revenue stream. If Apple is willing to pay billions, it signals that top-tier AI models are now seen as essential infrastructure -- like search engines, chips or app stores. What the integration means for iPhone users For everyday users, the short version is simple: Siri should get smarter and more useful, faster. This is the type of shift that could unlock the Siri people have been waiting for -- one that can: * Understand more natural, messy questions * Keep context across requests * Summarize information instead of just pulling web links * Help with real tasks inside apps Apple will likely continue to emphasize privacy and on-device processing where possible, but the reality is that the most powerful AI features often require cloud-level computing. Partnerships like this help Apple bridge that gap, and will find a way to plug Gemini into its Private Cloud Compute platform to protect user privacy. Outlook The big takeaway from this news is that the AI race is entering a new phase that we've never seen. The AI race is evolving into something more expensive, more competitive and harder for any single company to dominate alone. Big tech companies are no longer just "building AI." They're buying access to the best models while trying to control where AI shows up in your daily life. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

Apple's Google Gemini Deal Could Be Worth $5 Billion

Apple's newly announced partnership with Google to use Gemini models for Siri and Apple Intelligence could be worth as much as $5 billion, according to one analyst's estimate. The deal is structured as a cloud computing contract that will see Apple pay "several billion dollars to Google over time," according to the Financial Times (paywalled), citing a person familiar with the agreement. Gene Munster at Deepwater Asset Management puts the value at $5 billion for Google. Apple said it determined that Google's technology provides the "most capable foundation" for its Apple Foundation Models. However, the Gemini partnership raises questions about the future of Apple's existing ChatGPT integration, which has been part of Apple Intelligence since 2024. Apple said the Google deal does not affect the ChatGPT integration, but Munster expressed skepticism about its long-term prospects. "I think that the ChatGPT integration is going to die on the vine... having two large models, given the economies of scale, wouldn't make a ton of sense for Apple," he told FT. A person close to OpenAI told the newspaper that the company had taken "a conscious decision to not become the custom model provider for Apple" last autumn to focus on building its own AI device. That hardware effort is being led by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, who was hired by OpenAI in May 2024 - a move Munster suggested may have soured Apple on a deeper OpenAI partnership. Despite the $5 billion figure, Apple's Gemini deal is comparatively conservative compared to other companies' AI infrastructure spending. Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have all committed hundreds of billions of dollars to new AI data centers since ChatGPT launched in 2022, but Apple has kept its investment in physical infrastructure at roughly 3 percent of revenue, according to FT's analysis. For fiscal 2025, Apple's spending on property, plant, and equipment was $12.7 billion. Compare that to the roughly $90 billion Google is expected to spend this year. One former Apple executive told the FT that the Google deal was "a necessary byproduct of Apple's decision not to 'go big' on its AI investments like its competitors." The next-generation version of Siri is expected to be introduced with iOS 26.4, which will likely be released to the general public in March or April.

Apple and Google confirm Siri will be based on Gemini, but it's bigger than that

Google officially announced a multi-year collaboration with Apple to supply the foundation for multiple Apple Intelligence features, including Siri. What has long been rumored has finally been confirmed: Google and Apple have issued a join statement to say that the new Siri will indeed be built on Google's Gemini technology. But it's not just about Siri-the partnership is bigger than that. The statement in full reads as follows: Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards. What does this mean for you? First, the upcoming Siri overhaul will indeed be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. That doesn't mean Siri will be just like Gemini, just that Apple will build the new Siri using the underlying foundation of Gemini. This new Siri is widely expected to arrive in the OS 26.4 updates in March or April, though this statement only says "this year." But it's more than just the new Siri. This is a multi-year deal to power "future Apple Intelligence features" as well. There's no hint about what these are or when they're coming -- Apple is expected to introduce additional AI features, and improve existing ones, in the OS 27 updates it will introduce at WWDC this summer. Of note, the statement assures users that Apple Intelligence features will not run on Google's servers, but on Apple's Private Cloud Compute architecture, as well as directly on Apple devices.

Apple fine tuning Gemini for Siri, independent from Google

Apple -- the world's number one smartphone maker -- will retain a great deal of oversight on its Apple Intelligence-powered Siri upgrade, despite its headline-making deal with Google, according to a report by the Information. Speaking to the publication under anonymity, project insiders say that under the competitive deal, Apple has reserved the right to tweak the model independently from Google and will not be incorporating any Google or Gemini branding. For now. Google's LLM will act more as a base for Apple's specific needs, the insider reports suggest, rather than a complete package. In addition to its general processing upgrade, the Gemini-powered Siri will be better at providing general knowledge and emotional support in a more conversational tone, similar to how other AI assistants operate, the Information reported. With Gemini's help boosting Siri's on-device technology, the assistant will also be able to contextualize requests that aren't so clear, such as searching through your messages to figure out what names you call your contacts, and generate content, like writing Notes with information pulled from the internet. Earlier this week, the tech giant announced it would be relying on Google's Gemini AI models to power its mega upgraded Siri, following months of speculation as the company ebbed between other developers, including partners like OpenAI. Gemini, however, was rumored to be the top contender as the company headed into 2026. Despite this new partnership, Apple will continue its deal to route complex questions through ChatGPT, an Apple spokesperson told the Information, but the publication reports that OpenAI has seen minimal traffic directed to ChatGPT from Siri tests. Under the partnership, Siri's new brain won't be hosted on Google servers, but will run directly on Apple devices or the company's Cloud server -- this also means no data sharing. Insiders speaking to the publication say Google invested heavily in building a model version that could run on Apple servers to honor the company's commitments to on-device privacy.

Apple's Google Gemini deal is the most disappointing thing to come out of Apple since the Newton

Apple will not be among the tech leaders in this golden age of AI. That much is now clear based on its stunning deal with Google to use Gemini Models as the basis for its Foundation Models and what will likely form the fundamental personalization and smarts of the next major Siri update. I'm not arguing the efficacy of this choice. Google and Gemini are inarguably the best ones for Apple if it's committed to letting a third party jump-start its model efforts. After all, though competitors, Apple and Google are also partners, with Google paying Apple a repoprted $20 billion a year for search integration on Safari. Further, if Apple were deciding between OpenAI and Google, the latter is clearly a winner from a data standpoint. Gemini may not yet be the AI leader, but it's raced to a nearly neck-and-neck position with ChatGPT based on Google's vast knowledge graph and impressive array of models. If, however, you don't think this is an about-face from the promises Apple made starting in 2024 and right through last year's WWDC, you haven't been paying attention. Last year, when I sat down with Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, he explained why the full-blown Apple Intelligence version of Siri was delayed, describing it as an architecture problem. Basically, the Siri update that was set to arrive in 2024 with iOS 18 was based on V1 of the Siri Architecture. V2, though, was already waiting in the wings, and it held, according to Federighi, "a deeper end-to-end architecture that we knew was ultimately what we wanted to create, to get to a full set of capabilities that we wanted for Siri." With V1 not being up to "Apple Standards," Apple made the difficult decision to postpone the personalized Siri rollout and switch to V2. At the time, Federighi refused to name a delivery date, but he did say they'd wait "until we have in-house, the V2 architecture delivering..." What Apple's been able to build "in-house" is now questionable. Clearly, it's not the necessary models or at least some key part of the models needed to build a Siri that understands you and your phone, perhaps better than you do. I've been re-reading this part of the joint Apple/Google statement: "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology." I highlighted the key phrase, which I take to mean that Gemini models are the seed or foundation of Apple's "Foundation Models." Looked at another way, you don't get Apple's take on this key piece of AI architecture without Gemini. Note that Google's "cloud technology" is included, which I think means Apple will be tapping into Google's larger models for more difficult AI problems. Taken a step further, that means Siri's brains might be more Google than Apple. Granted, that might be taking things a bit far, since Siri will be on top of Apple's Foundation Model (based on Gemini models), but in the absence of clarity and depth from Apple and Google, it's hard to see this any other way. In reading the comments from colleagues and consumers on social media, I've noticed many are actually pleased that things have turned out this way. Perhaps they got tired of waiting for a better Siri, certainly one that could stand on a level AI playing field with ChatGPT or Gemini. I understand that sentiment. After all, millions of iPhone, Mac, and iPad users mostly care about the quality of their Apple ecosystem experience. A smarter Siri, even one powered by Gemini models, is sure to improve it. Even some industry watchers like Creative Strategies President and Principal Analyst Carolina Milanesi agree that Apple's approach, which appears to focus on the end-user experience and interface rather than on the underpinnings, might be best. "I really do think my F1 analogy is perfect: buy the engine and focus on the design of the car, and optimize for your driver, that is what will give you the best performance," she wrote to me in a text. I think that's a generous take. Understanding Apple's original goals, though, may be instructive here. Apple's never wanted to build a Gemini competitor. As Federighi told me last year, "This wasn't about just building a chatbot. So, seemingly, when some of these Siri capabilities I mentioned didn't show up, people were like, 'What happened, Apple? I thought you were going to give us your chatbot. That was never the goal, and it remains not our primary goal." The plan was not to compete with OpenAI and Google on the pure-play prompt field, but that doesn't release it from the responsibility of holding a position in the AI race. AI is unquestionably the most important technological innovation in a generation, and the idea that Apple can't solve it, can't build technology to compete is disappointing. Apple is not necessarily taking the big swings it did 15, 20, or 25 years ago. It's a business that's growing based on how many services you subscribe to. It makes incremental updates to the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch. These are excellent products that often have been so far ahead of the competition that there's little need for radical change. But attention has shifted from buzzy hardware and big new product categories to the power of the prompt and what AI can do for you. At a very fundamental level, Apple could've shown what AI could do for its customers by building the Siri it promised, the one that understands your phone and your needs and could take action on your behalf. And while it has effectively built a collection of AI tools in Apple Intelligence, it couldn't build that Siri brain on its own, and now it's handed the reins - at least in large part - to a chief AI competitor. The good news is that with these new Apple Foundation Models quietly running Gemini models deep under the hood, we will finally see a Siri that, with your permission, can read your interface, see the apps you use, understand your data and the interplay of all of it to be proactive and a thousand times smarter when you say, "Hey, Siri." But those gifts will not be solely of Apple's making. When Apple introduced the Newton personal digital assistant (no relation to today's AI assistants) in the 1990s, it was so proud of the mobile note-taking device that it produced a lovely coffee book to go alongside it. The product failed, and all that was left was a book full of tech innovation dreams and ultimately empty promises. This Apple, Google, Gemini, Siri deal is worse. We didn't even get the existing product to play with. Instead, we got missed deadlines and a tacit admission that Apple wasn't up to the task.

Gemini will power Apple's Siri

Why it matters: The move fills a clear need for Apple, the tech giant that has struggled the most to deliver on the AI promises it made back in 2024. Driving the news: Apple and Google confirmed the deal in a statement provided to Axios. * The next generation of Apple's foundation models will be based on Gemini models and cloud technology, the companies said. * "These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year," per the statement. Between the lines: The arrangement had been in the works since last year and follows months of delays for the improved Siri and hints that Apple might look outside its own labs for frontier models. * Bloomberg said in November that Apple could end up paying on the order of $1 billion per year to use Google's models. * "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," Apple and Google said in its statement. Zoom in: Apple says Google's models will run either on-device or from its own servers in order to preserve Apple's privacy standards. * It's not yet clear what -- if any -- access Google will have to Apple customers' data. The intrigue: The partnership follows years of antitrust scrutiny over a prior arrangement that has seen Google paying billions of dollars annually to Apple to be its default search engine provider. * Google was found to hold an illegal monopoly in online search in 2024. * The company was spared from the most dramatic possible remedies last fall when U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled it must share its search data with rivals and put restrictions on its exclusive deals. * Those restrictions include barring Google from entering any multi-year agreements with other companies, including for generative AI products. The bottom line: It's not clear how this deal squares with the recent ruling. * Google and Apple did not respond to Axios' request for additional details. Go deeper: Google, the sleeping AI giant, awakens

Apple taps Google Gemini to power Siri, pushing private cloud and Taiwan's AI supply chain

As the race to embed artificial intelligence into consumer devices heats up, Apple has formally confirmed a strategic partnership with Google to integrate the Gemini model into the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence. The tie-up between the two tech heavyweights is expected to sharpen Siri's capabilities and could also lift demand for Apple's future hardware. The partnership is designed to help Apple quickly offset shortcomings in its in-house Ajax model, especially in long-context reasoning and world knowledge, by tapping Google's more mature AI technology. Under the arrangement, Gemini will serve as a core model for Apple Foundation Models and be integrated into the next-generation Siri system. Apple will license Google's fully trained Gemini model, but inference will be handled on Apple's own Private Cloud Compute (PCC) systems and on user devices, rather than routing data through Google Cloud. The upgrade is scheduled to launch with iOS 26.4 in spring 2026, with Apple paying roughly US$1 billion per year for licensing and customised technical support. Because Gemini will mainly run inside Apple's PCC environment, with Google supplying only the model and related technologies, supply chain sources say the deal is unlikely to generate meaningful direct hardware demand for Google, with most gains coming from indirect spillover effects. For Apple, Gemini's large parameter scale and the expected surge in Siri usage will sharply increase compute workloads across its PCC systems. This is likely to speed up infrastructure investment to support the needs of more than two billion active devices. Since 2025, Apple has launched a series of data centre projects, including a 250,000-square-foot AI server manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, focused on customised Apple Silicon servers and expanding PCC capacity. Supply chain sources say these investments will support Gemini integration in the near term and prepare Apple for the long-term development of its own AI models. Rising AI demand is also expected to lift server assembly requirements. Apple's long-time partner Foxconn, along with other qualified system integrators, stands to benefit. Foxconn already holds a leading position in the AI server market, with product lines covering both Nvidia GPU and Google TPU-based ASIC architectures. Backed by the broad portfolio of its subsidiary Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII), the group is expected to gain stronger momentum in its AI-related businesses. Supply chain players note that while the deal is a software-level alliance between two major US tech companies, Taiwan's hardware ecosystem remains just as critical. Whether Apple leans on external AI support in the short term or builds its own compute capabilities over time, large-scale data centre infrastructure will remain essential. For system integrators with global logistics networks and precision manufacturing capabilities, this marks a key opportunity to capture value across the AI supply chain. Article edited by Jack Wu

New report sheds light on how Gemini fits into Apple's Siri revamp

After months of speculation, Apple finally confirmed that it is partnering with Google for the much-awaited Siri overhaul. However, the announcement offered few details, only noting that the upgraded Siri will rely on Gemini as its foundation and that the AI features "will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." A new report has now revealed additional details about what this partnership might entail. According to The Information (via 9to5Mac), Apple will use Google's Gemini models to train the next-gen Apple Foundation Models and will have the option to tailor the Gemini model to respond in ways it prefers. The report adds that Apple's Gemini-based system may not contain any Google branding, as a person involved in the project has confirmed that the current prototype doesn't mention Google or Gemini in its responses. Recommended Videos The Information further notes that Apple intends the Gemini-powered Siri to offer richer responses to user queries, instead of listing links, and to be better at providing emotional support. This has historically been an area where Siri has struggled, but the new version "will give more thorough conversational responses the way ChatGPT and Gemini do." Apple's Siri revamp may roll out in stages starting this spring Lastly, the report sheds some light on the release timeline for the upgraded Siri and Gemini-powered Apple Intelligence features. It states that some features will go live this spring, while others, such as Siri's ability to remember past conversations or proactive suggestions like prompting users to leave early to avoid traffic for an airport pickup listed on their Apple Calendar, are expected to be announced at WWDC in June. Apple has yet to share a detailed release schedule for the the Siri overhaul. More information is expected in the coming months, as the company prepares to unveil its next round of software updates.

The good, bad, and the ugly of Apple's AI deal with Google | Fortune

Apple and Google's surprise AI partnership announcement on Monday sent shockwaves across the tech industry (and lifted Google's market cap above $4 trillion). The two tech giants' deal to infuse Google's AI technology into Apple's mobile software, including in an updated version of the Siri digital assistant, has major implications in the high-stakes battle to dominate AI and to own the platform that will define the next generation of computing. While there are still many unanswered questions about the partnership, including the financial component and the duration of the deal, some key takeaways are already clear. Here's why the deal is good news for Google, so-so news for Apple, and bad news for OpenAI. When OpenAI debuted ChatGPT in November 2022, and throughout a good part of the next two years, many industry observers had their doubts about Google's prospects in the changing landscape. The search giant at times appeared to be floundering as it raced to field models that could be as capable as OpenAI' s ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude. Google endured several embarrassing product debuts, when its Bard chatbot and then its successor Gemini models got facts wrong, recommended glue as a pizza topping, and generated images of historically anachronistic Black Nazis. But today, Google's latest Gemini models (Gemini 3) are among the most capable on the market and gaining traction among both consumers and businesses. The company has also been attracting lots of customers to its Google Cloud, in part because of the power of its bespoke AI chips, called tensor processing units (or TPUs), which may offer cost and speed advantages over Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs) for running AI models. Apple's statement on Monday that "after careful consideration" it had determined that Google's AI technology "provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models" served as Gemini's ultimate validation -- particularly given that until now, OpenAI was Apple's preferred technology provider for "Apple Intelligence" offerings. Analysts at Bank of America said the deal reinforced "Gemini's position as a leading LLM for mobile devices" and should also help strengthen investor confidence in the durability of Google's search distribution and long-term monetization. Hamza Mudassir, who runs an AI agent startup and teaches strategy and policy at the University of Cambridge's Judge School of Business, said Apple's decision is likely about more than just Gemini's technical capabilities. Apple does not allow partners to train on Apple user data, and Mudassir theorized that Apple may have concluded Google's control over its ecosystem -- such as owning its own cloud -- could provide data privacy and intellectual property guarantees that perhaps OpenAI or Anthropic couldn't match. The deal also likely translates directly into revenue for Google. Although the financial details of the were not disclosed, a previous report from Bloomberg suggested Apple was paying Google about $1 billion a year for the right to use its tech. The bigger prize for Google may be the foot-in-the-door the deal provides to Apple's massive distribution channel: the approximately 1.5 billion iPhone users worldwide. With Gemini powering the new version of Siri, Google may get a share of any revenue those users generate through product discovery and purchases made through a Gemini-powered Siri. Eventually, it might potentially even lead to an arrangement that would see Gemini's chatbot app pre-installed on iPhones. The iPhone maker will obviously benefit from giving users a much more capable Siri, as well as other AI features, at an attractive cost and while guaranteeing user privacy. Dan Ives, an equity analyst who covers Apple for Wedbush, said in a note the deal provided Apple with "a stepping stone to accelerate its AI strategy into 2026 and beyond." But Apple's continuing need to rely on partners -- first OpenAI and now Google -- to deliver these AI features is a worrisome sign, suggesting that Apple, a champion of vertical integration, is still struggling to build its own LLM. It's a problem that has dogged the company since the beginning of the generative AI era: For months last year several Apple Intelligence features were delayed, and the long-awaited debut of an updated Siri has been pushed back numerous times. These delays have taken a toll on Apple's reputation as a tech leader and angered customers, some of whom filed a class action lawsuit against the company after the AI features promoted in ads for the iPhone 16 weren't initially available on the device. When Apple CEO Tim Cook promised an updated version of Siri would be released in 2026, many assumed it would be powered by Apple's own AI models. But apparently those models are not yet ready for prime time and the new Siri will be powered by Google instead. Daniel Newman, an analyst at the Futurum Group, said that 2026 is a "make-or-break year" for Apple. "We have long said the company has the user base and distribution that allows it to be more patient in chasing new trends like AI, but this is a critical year for Apple," Newman said. Cook has shaken up the ranks, installing a new head of AI who previously worked at Google on Gemini. And, if the delays turn out to be related to Apple's specific requirements around things like privacy, it may ultimately prove to have been worth the wait. Ideally, Apple would want an AI model that matches the capabilities of those from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google but which is compact enough to run entirely on an iPhone, so that user data does not have to be transmitted to the cloud. It's possible, said Mudassir, that Apple is grappling with technical limitations involving the amount of power these models consume and how much heat they generate. Partnering with Google buys Apple time to make breakthroughs in compression and architecture while also getting Wall Street "off its back," he said. Apple defenders note that the company is rarely a first mover in new technology -- it was not the first to create an MP3 player, a smartphone, wireless earphones, or a smart watch, yet it came from behind to dominate many of those product categories with a combination of design innovation and savvy marketing. And Apple has a history of learning from partners for key technology, such as chips, before ultimately bringing these efforts in-house. Or, in the case of internet search, Apple simply partnered with Google for the long-term, using the Google engine to handle search queries in its Safari browser. The fact that Apple never developed its own search engine has not hurt its growth. Could the same principle hold true for AI? While the Google partnership is not exclusive, meaning that Apple may continue to rely on OpenAI's models for some of its Apple Intelligence features and OpenAI still has a chance to prove its models' worth to Cupertino, Apple's decision to go with Google is definitely a blow. At the very least, it solidifies the narrative that Google has not only caught up with OpenAI, but has now edged past it in having the best AI models in the market. Deprived of built-in distribution through Apple's customer base, OpenAI may find it harder to grow its own user base. The company currently boasts more than 800 million weekly users, but recent reports suggest that the rate of usage may be slowing. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has noted that many people currently see ChatGPT as synonymous with AI. But that perception could fray if Apple users find delight in using Gemini through Siri and come to see Gemini as the better model. . Altman told reporters last month that he sees Apple as his company's primary long-term rival. OpenAI is in the process of developing a new kind of AI device, with help from Apple's former chief designer Jony Ive, that Altman hopes will rival the phone as the primary way consumers interface with AI assistants. That device may debut this year. As long as Apple was dependent on ChatGPT to power Siri, OpenAI had a good view into the capabilities its new device would be competing against. OpenAI is unlikely to have as much insight into Apple's AI capabilities going forward, which may make it harder for the upstart to position its new device as an iPhone killer. OpenAI has to hope its new device is a hit that may enable it to cement users into a closed ecosystem, not dissimilar to the one Apple has built around its hardware device and iOS software. This "walled garden" approach is one way to keep users from switching to rival products when they offer broadly similar capabilities. OpenAI will also have to hope its AI researchers achieve breakthroughs that give it a more decisive and long-lasting edge over Google. That might convince Apple to rely more heavily on OpenAI again in the future. Or, it could obviate the need for OpenAI to have distribution on Apple's devices at all.

AppleInsider.com

Apple will be leaning on Google Gemini technologies Siri overhaul later in 2026, but it won't mean that iPhone user queries will be handed over and absorbed into Google's systems. Apple and its AI strategy, Apple Intelligence, hasn't quite kept up with the rest of the industry, resulting in speculation that it would seek some outside assistance. On Monday, Apple finally struck a deal to do just that. A multi-year deal between Apple and Google will see Apple use Google's Gemini models and cloud technology for Apple's foundational models. A statement received by CNBC, but not yet made public by Apple itself, reportedly confirms the deal has taken place. "After careful examination, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," wrote Apple in the statement. The move has been suspected for some time, and could be an expensive relationship for Apple to maintain. In November, Apple was reportedly considering paying Google around $1 billion per year to use its models. However, to clarify, the deal doesn't mean that Google will be getting its hands on Apple's user data. It's one where Apple gets to use Google's Gemini models for its own processing, separate from Google's data-hungry systems. This story is breaking, refresh for the most current information

Apple's 'Siri 2.0' is almost here, but it's only the start of AI overhaul - 9to5Mac

Apple Intelligence first launched in 2024, but it's increasingly looking like 2026 will be a far more important year for the AI platform. And it all starts with 'Siri 2.0' coming this spring. It's been a big week for Apple Intelligence and Siri news. The long-rumored partnership between Apple and Google became official. And both the formal statement and subsequent reporting indicates that Siri's iOS 26.4 relaunch is just the beginning of what's coming. To start, Apple and Google's joint statement Monday showed that the deal is about far more than just Siri. Per the press release: Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. Apple isn't just using Gemini-based models for its new Siri. Instead, Google technology will be at the heart of the "next generation of Apple Foundation Models." This represents a major pivot for Apple. And it's not one that will pay off all at once -- not with Siri or other Apple Intelligence features. As much as we're all hoping for a radically improved, supercharged Siri to arrive with iOS 26.4, we may need to temper our expectations. A report from The Information shared the following regarding Siri's upgrades: Some of the features will launch this spring. Others, including Siri's ability to remember past conversations it had with a customer, or proactive features that could suggest they leave home to avoid traffic ahead of an airport pickup that's listed on their Apple calendar, are expected to be announced at the company's annual developer conference in June, this person said. Though Apple originally pitched iOS 18 as ushering the start of "a new era" for Siri, it sounds like this spring is the true start of that new era. But it's just a start. More upgrades are expected with iOS 27 -- not only for Siri, but also Apple Intelligence overall. Rumors have indicated iOS 27 will pack several major new AI features, such as an AI-powered web search tool, Health-focused AI agent, new visual overhaul and personality for Siri, and more. With Google supplying the underlying LLMs, Apple engineers will hopefully be able to deliver new features that truly impress. I'm a fan of several existing Apple Intelligence features, but there's clearly a lot more that can be done with AI to improve the iPhone, iPad, and Mac experience. We should get our first glimpse of Siri 2.0 in the iOS 26.4 beta soon. But Apple's AI pivot means there's much more coming -- it just might take more patience. How are you feeling about Apple's AI prospects post-Google deal? Let us know in the comments.

Apple Taps Google's Gemini to Power AI Models After 'Apple Intelligence' Stumbles - Decrypt

Apple says AI features will still run on its devices and private cloud infrastructure, to preserve privacy. In a historic pivot, Apple confirmed today that it is turning to its long-time rival, Google, to rescue its stalled artificial intelligence ambitions. Under a new multi-year agreement, Apple's "next generation" of AI models that underpin its ecosystem will be built on Google's Gemini. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," Apple and Google said in a joint statement. For years, Apple has prided itself on building its own hardware, software, and silicon chips. However, the lackluster 2024 launch of Apple Intelligence and subsequent delays in upgrading Siri left the company in a precarious position of having to decide whether to bring in help or effectively be left behind in the ever-accelerating AI race. The deal marks a pragmatic reset for Apple as it struggles with executive departures to rival Meta, which underscored those challenges, and leaves Apple to rely on a competitor to power its AI strategy. The shift also casts Google as the clear frontrunner in the AI arms race, eclipsing OpenAI, whose ChatGPT product Apple previously added to iOS devices to give Siri additional chatbot functionality. While official terms were not disclosed, in November, Bloomberg reported Apple would pay Google roughly $1 billion annually for access to Gemini. Despite the reliance on Google's technology, Apple is attempting to reassure users that its strict privacy standards remain intact. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards," the joint statement said. Neither Apple nor Google said when the change would take effect, if Gemini or Google branding would appear on Apple devices, or whether users would be able to choose between Gemini and ChatGPT on their devices. The market reaction to the partnership news was immediate. Google's parent company, Alphabet, briefly crossed a $4 trillion market capitalization today, as the deal cements Gemini as the AI engine for both Android and iOS.

Apple could use Google Gemini to power 7 new Siri features

A new report has detailed some of the new features that Apple's partnership with Google could bring to Siri, which could help the iPhone and other devices catch up with other AI assistants. Apple first announced that it would use Gemini to help power a more personalized Siri earlier this week, mentioning how it would improve the feature to meet current standards. Following that story, The Information recently offered further details on several new features that could launch as part of the more powerful Siri. The report, citing a person who has allegedly been involved with the project, states that the new Siri will be able to answer queries more conversationally, while also improving responses related to world knowledge or factual questions, such as the population of a country. The integration will also apparently allow Siri to tell more stories, offer emotional support with conversational answers, and assist with tasks. This includes offering prompts when you need to leave for the airport or create documents in the Notes app, such as cooking recipes. The Information also details that further Siri capabilities will be announced at the next WWDC event, which is likely planned for June. These new features include the assistant retaining knowledge of past conversations and offering proactive suggestions based on information from other apps on your device, including the calendar app. It's also noted that the latest prototype of the more personalized Siri does not contain any Google or Gemini branding. Apple will reportedly be able to fine-tune Gemini's model to help ensure that Siri works in a way that Apple prefers, rather than resorting to Google's base style. On top of that, to maintain Apple's privacy pledge, the Gemini AI will run directly on Apple devices and iCloud service, rather than on Google's servers. This isn't the first time that we've seen Apple make use of a competitor's model within its own product. For instance, ChatGPT has been integrated into Apple Intelligence from the start help improve the overall service, such as in Visual Intelligence to allow users to ask the chatbot questions about what they see on the screen. However, this is very different from basing Siri itself on a service from a rival company. Apple reportedly evaluated multiple options for the advanced Siri, eventually determining that Gemini's AI models and cloud infrastructure offer the strongest base to enhance its own Apple Foundation models. This should allow Apple to catch up with its rivals Google and OpenAI, by customizing an existing setup, rather than having to wait years to close the gap through developing its own. Overall, the future currently looks bright for Siri and the future of Apple Intelligence, especially when competing with other assistants available on phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL. We will make sure to keep you updated on any changes and when the new additions are finally released.

Apple's Enhanced Siri Is Just Google Gemini in Disguise

When Apple finally rolls out its next-generation Siri this year, it won't actually be Apple's technology doing the heavy lifting. It'll be Google's. Apple and Google today confirmed a multi-year collaboration under which Google Gemini will power Apple's revamped assistant, which is expected to be introduced with iOS 26.4 in March or April. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," the companies said in separate statements. That could reasonably be read as a polished way of saying Apple's own efforts weren't cutting it. The company first announced these personalized Siri features at WWDC 2024, but then delayed them last year, after it admitted the work was "taking longer than we expected." The deal costs Apple around $1 billion annually for access to a 1.2 trillion parameter model that "dwarfs" Apple's in-house capabilities, according to previous reporting by Bloomberg. Apple's current cloud-based AI uses just 150 billion parameters, which is nearly eight times smaller. Apple has a long-standing strategy of controlling as many components of its products as possible through hardware, software, and services, rather than relying on third parties, so outsourcing a more capable Siri to its biggest rival is a remarkable concession. However, the deeper irony is that Google already pays Apple around $20 billion per year to remain the default search engine on iPhones, so now money is flowing in the other direction too. Bloomberg's previous reporting suggests Apple plans to eventually transition exclusively to in-house models, with a trillion-parameter version that could potentially be ready later this year. Until then, any Siri request any more complex than starting a timer on your iPhone could well be powered by Google.

Google Gemini to power Apple's struggling Siri as it plays AI catch-up

Apple's Google AI partnership comes as Alphabet joins $4 trillion club Apple will rely on Google to help complete its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence (AI) features to the iPhone as the trend-setting company plays catch-up in technology's latest craze. The deal, which allows Apple to tap into Google's AI technology, was disclosed on Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google's Gemini technology to customise a suite of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" on the iPhone and other products. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple's AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone's AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple's AI missteps prompted the company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn't happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google's competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a "major validation moment for Google," in a Monday research note. Google's AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of $4 trillion (€3.4 trillion) for the first time. Even so, Alphabet's market value remained about $150 billion (€128.5 billion) above Apple, which for years ranked as the world's most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes. Three other companies have joined the $4 trillion (€3.4 trillion) club in the past year, with AI chipmaker Nvidia becoming the first last July. Apple and Microsoft also broke the barrier last year, although the market values of those two longtime rivals are now below $4 trillion (€3.4 trillion). Nvidia's market value briefly topped $5 trillion (€4.29 trillion) in late October, before backtracking amid recurring worries that the hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into AI technology may be creating an investment bubble that will eventually burst. With its chipsets designed for AI still in high demand, Nvidia remains atop the heap with a $4.5 trillion (€3.86 trillion) market value. Alphabet's stock price has been on a tear since early September, when Google dodged the US government's attempt to break up its internet empire following a ruling last year that branded its ubiquitous search engine an illegal monopoly. In an effort to prevent further abuses, a federal judge overseeing the case ordered a shake-up that investors widely interpreted as a relative slap on the wrist, resulting in a 57 percent increase in Alphabet's stock price since then that has created an additional $1.4 trillion (€1.2 trillion) in shareholder wealth. The ruling also left the door open for a long-running alliance in search between Google and Apple. Google pays Apple more than $20 billion (€17.14 billion) annually to be the preferred search engine on the iPhone and other Apple products -- an arrangement that is still allowed with a few modifications under the judge's decision in the search case.

Apple Is Asking Its Biggest Competitor for Some Help With AI

Google and Apple have a "multi-year deal" in developing an AI Siri, so expect the collaboration to continue. It's been nearly two years since Apple announced a more intelligent Siri, and yet, we're still waiting to get our hands on it. Aside from being able to answer a few questions about Apple products or shunt your questions off to ChatGPT for you, the voice assistant is essentially still the same it was before Apple Intelligence launched for other Apple features in iOS 18.1. Now, the iPhone maker seems to be throwing in the towel on developing an AI-enabled Siri entirely on its own, and is asking Google for help. I can't imagine Tim Cook is too happy about that, but on the flip side, that does mean an AI Siri might finally come out, and soon. In a statement to CNBC's Jim Cramer, Apple admitted that it is now planning to use Google Gemini to power its AI-infused Siri, rather than purely in-house models. The company said that, "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users." Previously, Apple had promised that its AI Siri would be able to do tasks on your behalf, like send a drafted email, or would be able to answer questions using context pulled from your phone, like surfacing a friend's address using information pulled from a text thread. Reportedly, however, implementing these features during testing kept breaking more traditional Siri features, like setting alarms and reminders, which has kept sending Apple back to the drawing board. The new, Gemini-powered voice assistant for Android faced similar issues at first, but based on my hands-on time with the company's latest phones, those growing pains seem to have subsided, so it makes sense that Google would be the first company Apple would turn to while looking for outside help. Apple hasn't said too much more about the deal for now, but Google itself did step in to offer Apple users a bit more clarity, plus some reassurance about their data. In a statement on X, the company assured Apple users that "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." That's the same deal Apple has with OpenAI right now, which allows its users to ask ChatGPT questions without the AI being able to train on them or keep a log of their requests. It essentially means Google won't get any data from your AI-powered Siri. Google's statement also confirmed a detail from CNBC's initial article, stating that its agreement with Apple will be a multi-year deal. Perhaps most exciting is that Google said the AI-powered Siri will come out "this year," mirroring a statement an Apple spokesperson gave to Daring Fireball last March, admitting that an AI-enabled Siri was taking longer than anticipated and saying the company hoped to launch it in 2026. That's welcome relief to anyone who thought Apple had given up on the project. A more concrete timeline is still unknown, although Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reputable reporter with inside sources at Apple, has previously said to expect the AI Siri upgrade to launch in the spring. Personally, I could also see the company holding the launch until its annual WWDC event, which tends to happen in June. Despite Apple and Google's public feud as the makers of iOS and Android, respectively, this wouldn't mark the two companies' first time working together, especially in the mobile space. Previously, it was uncovered that Google and Apple have a lucrative deal to make Google the default search engine in Safari, which caused a lengthy legal battle that ultimately allowed the companies to maintain their deal, but barred exclusivity contracts. Part of the reasoning behind the AI Siri delay might be that the companies wanted to work together on AI before, but were holding off on it out of an abundance of caution. However, according to the courts, Google will also be able to make deals with outside distributors for "preloading and placement" of its GenAI products going forward, which seemingly puts both companies in the clear.

Apple picks Google Gemini over ChatGPT for Siri's AI overhaul

Apple just made a big decision about the future of its in-house AI assistant. In a statement posted to X, Google and Apple confirmed that the former's Gemini AI models will serve as the basis for the future of Apple Intelligence. That means Gemini will "help power future Apple Intelligence features" including the long-awaited AI upgrade for Siri, set to launch this year. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This is a big deal because, in the past, Apple has worked with other AI models, most notably including ChatGPT. The OpenAI flagship model was integrated with Siri in late 2024, as a sort of stopgap solution as Apple continues to work on the AI-infused version of Siri that has been in development for a few years now. However, over the past year or so, Gemini overtook ChatGPT as the model of choice according to various benchmarks and rankings. Given that Apple is considered to be well behind the rest of the competition on AI features, it makes sense for the iPhone maker to choose Google's model over OpenAI's. Unfortunately, the statement on X didn't feature any other information about the AI Siri upgrade beyond a reiteration of the promise that it is launching in 2026. Hopefully it isn't long before we see the fruits of this unique collaboration between Apple and Google.

I'm a lifelong iPhone user, but a few months with Gemini on Android have shown me exactly why Apple and Google's AI partnership is what everyone needs

Who had Apple conceding it can't keep up with the rest of the AI industry to kickstart 2026? If you've been following TechRadar over the past year or so, you'll have heard many times that Apple was in discussions with Google to use Gemini foundation models to power the ever-delayed AI Siri upgrade. Now, just a few weeks into the new year, Apple and Google have confirmed these reports, announcing that the two companies "have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology." The models have also been confirmed to "help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year." This partnership raises uncomfortable questions about Apple's place in the AI race. Still, the more interesting story is what it unlocks for iPhone users, and why switching to Android suddenly makes a lot less sense. I've been an iPhone user since 2008, essentially growing up alongside Apple's industry-leading smartphone. In fact, it wasn't until last year that I decided to see what the world outside of iPhone looked like. After the latest iPhone launch in September, I moved from an iPhone 16 Pro Max to an iPhone Air, and I absolutely fell in love with Apple's sleek ultra-thin design. After a few weeks, however, I felt the hollowness that had plagued my smartphone use for years, wanting to try something new to feel a change. If a new hardware design and an elegant software overhaul (I like Liquid Glass) couldn't fill the constant void and boredom of using an iPhone, I had to look elsewhere, so I opted to move to Android for a few months to close out the year and get a new perspective on smartphones. The main driving force behind my decision to switch to a Samsung Galaxy S25, and then to a OnePlus 15R, was mainly to get a glimpse of what using AI features on Android really felt like, considering I'd given up on Apple Intelligence long ago. Having Gemini built into my smartphone's operating system has opened my eyes to the possibilities of AI features, way more than what Apple has been able to do until this point. In fact, I've started using more Google features than ever before, all because I want the most seamless Gemini integration possible. I've previously talked at length about the main reasons iPhone users should be excited by a Gemini-powered Siri, so I don't want to dwell too much on that here. Instead, I want to emphasize just how exciting this partnership is, allowing users to get the AI prowess of Android with its own iOS spin. The joint statement announcing the partnership reads, "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users." What are those new experiences, you might ask? Well, you don't need to look very far to see just what Gemini integration on a mobile operating system is capable of. One of the best smartphone use cases for AI right now is Circle to Search, which lets users circle an image and quickly search Google for context. As it stands, iPhone users can access Circle to Search via the Google app on iOS or via Visual Intelligence on a compatible iPhone. The problem is that both ways of interacting with the feature are inconvenient: the former is locked to the Google app, while the latter is sluggish and hard to find. Now imagine how Google and Apple, combined, could improve AI integration on iPhone across the board, allowing users to simply access Circle to Search as easily as Android users currently can, or even using Google's excellent models to search throughout iOS. I had seriously lost trust in Apple's AI strategy, to the point that I switched to Android to see what was possible on the other side. But now, knowing that Google has the reins, I'm ready to jump back to the Apple ecosystem with a newfound conviction that iPhone AI will succeed. Apple promised an incredible AI-powered Siri at WWDC 2024, and nearly two years later, we've finally got our answer on how the Cupertino-based company is going to achieve that. I, for one, couldn't be happier that Apple has recognized its AI weakness and instead opted for a foot up from one of its biggest competitors. We're only one month into 2026, but for the first time in years, I'm excited about the future of the iPhone. And that excitement is coming from Google, not Cupertino.

Apple will use Google's Gemini models to power new Siri release - SiliconANGLE

Apple will use Google's Gemini models to power new Siri release Apple Inc. will use Google LLC's Gemini series of large language models to power its Siri voice assistant. The companies announced the partnership, which is described as a multi-year deal, this morning. When rumors of the collaboration first emerged in August, Bloomberg reported that Apple was set to pay Google about $1 billion per year to access Gemini. Sources told the publication that the iPhone maker sought a custom Gemini model with 1.2 trillion parameters. According to today's announcement, Apple will deploy not one but multiple Gemini models. It will use them to power a new version of Siri set to roll out later this year. According to Apple, the upgraded assistant provides more personalized responses and can perform multi-step tasks spanning multiple apps. The company's decision to use multiple Gemini models rather than just one might be motivated by economic reasons. Some applications use a large, processor-intensive model to answer users' most complicated prompts and relegate simpler requests to a lighter algorithm that uses less hardware. That arrangement helps drive down infrastructure costs. Gemini 3, the latest iteration of Google's LLM series, is available in multiple versions with varying performance and price points. The most capable model, Gemini 3 Pro, costs four times more than the entry-level Flash edition. Apple stated that it will use the LLM series alongside Google's "cloud technology". That hints the iPhone maker may use Google Cloud to power parts of its Gemini deployment. The upgraded version of Siri that will use the LLM series is part of an artificial intelligence feature suite called Apple Intelligence. In 2024, Apple partnered with OpenAI Group PBC to integrate ChatGPT into the suite. Currently, Siri uses the chatbot to answer some user prompts. An Apple spokesperson told CNBC today that it won't change its partnership agreement with OpenAI. The iPhone maker stated that Apple Intelligence will "continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute." Private Cloud Compute is a set of cybersecurity features the company debuted in 2024. It deletes the user data that Siri uses to answer prompts after it's no longer needed. Furthermore, the servers that run Private Cloud Compute lack many of the troubleshooting tools typically used by data center operators. Apple says that doing away with those components reduces the risk of cyberattacks. Today's partnership announcement pushed the market capitalization of Google parent Alphabet Inc. above $4 trillion, making it the fourth company to have achieved the milestone. It was preceded by Apple, Nvidia Corp. and Microsoft Corp. last year.

Apple, Google Enter Multi-Year Deal to Power Apple Intelligence Models | AIM

The new foundation models will power upcoming Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalised version of Siri expected to roll out later this year. Apple has entered into a multi-year collaboration with Google under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be built on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology, the companies said on Monday. The new foundation models will power upcoming Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalised version of Siri expected to roll out later this year. According to the announcement, Apple selected Google's technology after evaluating multiple options. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," Google said in a statement. "These models will help unlock new experiences for Apple users." Apple said Apple Intelligence will continue to operate on Apple devices and through its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, a system designed to handle more complex AI tasks while limiting data exposure. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards," the company said. On January 7, Google became the world's second most valuable company, surpassing Apple for the first time since 2019. The partnership reflects a change in Apple's approach to developing the core models behind its AI features. Until now, Apple Intelligence has been powered primarily by Apple's in-house foundation models, introduced in 2024 and optimised for on-device use on Apple silicon. Those models focused on tasks such as text rewriting, summarisation, image generation, and basic Siri improvements, with larger requests routed to Private Cloud Compute. Apple has positioned Apple Intelligence as a hybrid system, combining on-device processing with cloud-based models for more demanding tasks, while emphasising that user data is not stored or used to train external models. The deal also strengthens Google's position as a provider of foundation models and cloud infrastructure to major technology companies. Gemini is Google's flagship family of AI models and is already used across its own products, including Search, Workspace, and Android. Apple did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement or specify which versions of Gemini would be used. Meanwhile, Google recently launched its latest model, Gemini 3.

Apple bet its AI future on Gemini. Here's how it can reimagine the iPhone for you

Gemini's AI brain, a private approach to AI processing, and Apple's creative work. Sounds like good news for my iPhone. One of the biggest announcements of the tech world -- and between two of the biggest tech companies on the planet -- was condensed in a brief joint statement with fewer than a hundred words. Apple announced that Gemini will be powering the rebirth of Siri assistant, and the framework that will power the AI software experiences on iPhones and Macs. "These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year," the company said. This is a huge win for Google, great news for Apple device users, and a self-admission that Apple couldn't steer the AI race in the same capacity as Google, Meta, or OpenAI. Recommended Videos The writing has been on the wall for a while. At one stage, Apple was reportedly trying Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's GPT models to power Siri. But eventually, the company went with Google, which is a massive validation for Gemini's capabilities. Let's break down what likely comes next for the millions of iPhone users like you and me. So, uh, privacy? With AI, there's one big dilemma that is hard to overlook. AI chatbots dig deeper into our lives than social media ever did. Chatbots have access to our email, calendar, gallery, files, and, of course, our day-to-day thoughts. Experts are already grappling with the rising problem of a deep human-AI emotional connection. But that's not the end of it. Every time we summon an AI chatbot, data is sent to a company's server for processing. In a healthy few cases, it is stored for model training, or for safety, and you can't opt out of it. The solution? On-device AI. For example, Gemini Nano is an on-device approach that runs on the local silicon of your phone, or PC. No data ever leaves your phone. But it's slow and not as capable. For media-related chores or other demanding tasks, cloud processing is mandatory. So, are you ready for it, now that Google is powering the AI experiences on your iPhone and Mac, especially given its history? Well, Apple already has a solution for it, and it is pretty clear about privacy, now that Gemini will power AI experiences. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards," says the company. That means your data and AI interactions will only be routed through Private Cloud Compute servers, which rely on custom Apple silicon and the company's own security-first operating system. "We believe PCC is the most advanced security architecture ever deployed for cloud AI compute at scale," claims Apple. With PCC, data is encrypted as soon as it leaves your phone. And once the assigned task is completed, the user request and material shared are deleted from the servers. No user data is retained, and whatever lands on the cloud servers, none of it is accessible to Apple. Gemini is simply providing the intelligence to process your text or voice commands. All the work that follows is safely handled on Apple's secure servers, instead of going to Google. What next? If you've ever used Gemini, and then asked Siri to handle the same tasks (and watched it fail), you will know the difference. The latest Google-Apple partnership is closing that gap. And more importantly, it's giving Apple the fodder to offer its own unique AI experiences. Broadly, the underlying Gemini AI framework will enhance Siri and Apple Intelligence. How exactly? That's unclear, because Apple won't simply do a copy-paste job. You likely won't be seeing any overt Gemini branding when pushing these next-gen AI features on your iPhone. Apple is just borrowing the brains. The body and behavior will be your usual Apple affair. Yet, if you compare what Gemini can already accomplish on Android phones -- and what Siri can't -- you can get a taste of the progress coming to your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You see, Apple is not merely using Gemini's underlying AI tech for Apple Intelligence and Siri. It runs much deeper. Apple will be using Google's AI toolkit for the next generation of Apple Foundation models. Think of these models as the secret sauce that enables Apple Intelligence features such as summarization, writing tools, image generation, and even cross-app actions. These models, which were introduced in 2024, can either run locally on a device (without requiring an internet connection) or on Apple's cloud servers. A year later, Apple introduced updated versions that were faster, more capable of processing media, had better language understanding, and offered support for more languages. The big draw was that the Foundation Models framework would let developers tap into these on-device AI smarts and boost the user experience. Imagine opening Spotify, and instead of doing manual work, you pull up Siri and give it a command like "create a playlist with my most listened songs this month." That is not possible on iPhones, yet. Another weakness is Siri's inherent intelligence. Every time you ask a question that goes beyond basic queries, it will offload them to ChatGPT. With Gemini on Android devices, such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro, answers are offered instantly, and tasks can be executed in other apps seamlessly. For example, I can tell Gemini to "send a text to Saba, asking her class status for the day on WhatsApp," and it will comply by sending a text to my sister in the messaging app. Google's Workspace apps and services are already well-integrated, letting users handle tasks across Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and more such services with voice commands. Finding information about a travel booking from my inbox, looking up a file's content, or simply checking up calendar schedule, Gemini does it all. Siri is nowhere close to this level of convenience. And this is where Gemini comes to the rescue for Apple, as well. A whole new start Apple clearly notes that Gemini will power the "next generation of Apple Foundation Models." That means Siri will be able to understand natural language commands more seamlessly than its current robotic state, and handle tasks on the iPhone. There are plenty of benefits that can come out of this Gemini brain transplant. The universal search system on an iPhone or Mac will be improved and become more conversational. Tasks within Apple products, such as Notes, Music, Mail, and more, can be handled with voice or text commands without ever opening those apps. And most importantly, across other apps, as well. With App Intents, the company already has the framework ready to get work done across third-party apps. It hasn't quite caught on yet, probably because the available AI models weren't deemed smart enough by developers. With Gemini powering the on-device AI actions, more developers will confidently embrace conversational AI-powered actions in their apps. Imagine Siri working for you across apps, without ever opening those apps. On an iPhone, you can already get a taste of how it works. Open the ChatGPT app, enable app connectors, and with natural language commands, you can perform tasks across dozens of apps, including Apple Music. But there's a caveat. You are linking another app (via login) with ChatGPT, which means OpenAI learns more about you. When the same task is executed using built-in OS-level framework, the privacy risk is theoretically smaller. Plus, the whole workflow will be more seamless. Apple can ape Google's Gemini strategy in a lot of other ways. It simply has to deploy Siri across its own apps, but in a less intrusive manner and more thoughtful fashion than the mindless cramming we have seen with Copilot, Alexa+, and yes, Gemini itself. Apple is good at this part, and I am pretty excited to see the company's AI vision unfold later this year. There's plenty that Apple can simply learn from Gemini's execution across Android and the web via Google services. And now that it has the Gemini brain at its hand, it can modify and integrate it within its own apps and services -- in a signature Apple fashion. The big question is, where does that leave ChatGPT, which is already at the heart of Apple Intelligence? We'll know more in the coming months, and more likely at Apple's next developers conference in June. But for now, the future of Siri (and AI on Apple hardware) looks brighter than ever for an average user like me, and you!

'Apple Intelligence,' powered by Gemini, marks a 'major validation moment for Google,' top tech analyst says | Fortune

Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch up in technology's latest craze. The deal allowing Apple to tap into Google's AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google's Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" on the iPhone and other products. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple's AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone's AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple's AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn't happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google's competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a "major validation moment for Google," in a Monday research note. Google's AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of $4 trillion for the first time during early morning trading before slipping back below that threshold later in the session. Even so, Alphabet's market value remained about $150 billion above Apple, which for years ranked as the world's most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes. Three other companies have joined the $4 trillion club in the past year, with AI chipmaker Nvidia becoming the first last July. Apple and Microsoft also broke the barrier last year, although the market values of those two longtime rivals are now below $4 trillion. Nvidia's market value briefly topped $5 trillion in late October, before backtracking amid recurring worries that the hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into AI technology may be creating an investment bubble that will eventually burst. With its chipsets designed for AI still in high demand, Nvidia remains atop the heap with a $4.5 trillion market value. Alphabet's stock price has been on a tear since early September when Google dodged the U.S. government's attempt to break up its internet empire following a ruling last year that branded its ubiquitous search engine an illegal monopoly. In an effort to prevent further abuses, a federal judge overseeing the case ordered a shake-up that investors widely interpreted as a relative slap on the wrist, resulting in a 36% increase in Alphabet's stock price since then that has created an additional $1.4 trillion in shareholder wealth. The ruling also left the door open for a long-running alliance in search between Google and Apple. Google pays Apple more than$20 billion annually to be the preferred search engine on the iPhone and other Apple products -- an arrangement that is still allowed with a few modifications under the judge's decision in the search case.

Apple will pay billions for Gemini after OpenAI declined

A new report on Apple's partnership with Google to have Gemini power the new Siri appears to confirm speculation that the iPhone maker is paying around a billion dollars a year for the deal. It also claims that ChatGPT provider OpenAI made a conscious decision to decline the opportunity to provide the intelligence behind Siri ... Apple this week confirmed reports that Google's Gemini AI models will be used to power the new Siri in an announcement clearly aimed at investors, but also good news for customers. Google said that this is a multi-year contract, while Apple noted that the Gemini models will run on its own Private Cloud Compute servers in order to maintain privacy. It has been speculated that Apple is paying around $1bn a year for the deal, and a new report seems to at least roughly confirm this. A Financial Times report says that the deal is a multi-billion one. The deal would be structured in the form of a cloud computing contract, which could lead to Apple paying several billion dollars to Google over time, a person familiar with the agreement told the FT. While this is all rather vague, multiple billions over multiple years is consistent with the idea of somewhere in the region of $1B per year. If accurate, it seems a good deal for the Cupertino company, given that it is receiving more than 20 times as much from the search giant. The report also claims that OpenAI made a conscious decision to refrain from partnering with Apple. OpenAI declined to comment. But a person close to the company said it had taken "a conscious decision to not become the custom model provider for Apple" in the autumn of last year and instead focus on building its own AI device to leapfrog the big tech companies. It's a near certainty that Apple and OpenAI at least had discussions about it, but it's not clear whether the iPhone maker actually offered the company a contract. The wording allows for the possibility of OpenAI turning down a deal, but it may merely mean it had decided to decline were Apple to make an offer.

Apple finalizes Siri's future after pulling failed Apple Intelligence TV commercial

TL;DR: Apple has partnered with Google to power its next-generation Siri using Google's Gemini AI models and cloud technology, aiming to enhance personalized AI features by 2026. This collaboration addresses Apple's lag in AI development while maintaining its privacy standards and integrating advanced AI across Apple devices and services. After deliberating with several companies, Apple has selected Google to provide the new "brain" for Apple's next-generation Siri slated to be released sometime in 2026. Pulled next-generation Siri advertisement Apple is incredibly far behind its competition when it comes to providing useful AI-powered software features across its range of products, with the company even failing to fulfill its promise to release a next-generation Siri capable of integrating throughout all of Apple's native applications. Apple even quietly removed an advertisement for the upgraded Siri that featured Game of Thrones and The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey. Why is Apple so far behind in producing a competitive in-house AI model? Several technical difficulties, combined with the product not meeting Apple's exceptionally high standards for uniformity across its range of other products and services, are contributing factors. Apple has recognized that it's significantly behind the competition, such as Google's Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Anthropic, and in June 2024 the company announced it was integrating ChatGPT for any prompts that couldn't be completed by Apple's on-device AI model. Now, Apple has confirmed it has selected Google to integrate Gemini, with Google writing in a recent blog post, "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year."

Official: Google Gemini will power Apple Intelligence and Siri

Apple and Google announced a partnership to power Apple AI features like Siri using Google's Gemini models and cloud technology after Apple evaluated competitors including OpenAI and Anthropic. Apple and Google issued a joint statement: "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users." This agreement confirms earlier reporting on negotiations between the two companies. Neither company has disclosed the financial terms, though prior reports estimate Apple will pay Google approximately $1 billion for access to the AI technology. The multi-year arrangement allows Apple to integrate Google's Gemini models and cloud infrastructure into future versions of its own foundational models. A source familiar with the matter specified that the partnership remains non-exclusive, permitting Apple to pursue other AI collaborations if desired. Apple has long emphasized vertical integration, developing its hardware and software internally to maintain control over its ecosystem, particularly evident in products like the iPhone. Public discussions have highlighted delays in Apple's AI advancements, with its virtual assistant Siri trailing features offered by rival technologies. In 2024, Apple introduced the initial versions of Apple Intelligence, incorporating AI directly into operating system functions. These enhancements enable users to search for photos more effectively and receive summarized notifications, streamlining daily interactions without requiring separate applications. Apple prioritizes user privacy in its AI implementation, conducting much of the processing on individual devices or via infrastructure under its direct oversight. The company committed to upholding these privacy standards within the new Google partnership, ensuring data handling aligns with its established protocols. Apple's AI approach delivers capabilities in a subtle manner, often integrated seamlessly into existing tools, differing from the prominent demonstrations of models like ChatGPT or Gemini. This strategy has not yet included a comprehensive Siri upgrade that users anticipated. Apple postponed the release of its more personalized Siri voice assistant on multiple occasions. A spokesperson informed TechCrunch that an upgrade will arrive this year. Previous reports point to a spring launch for the overhauled Siri.

Apple calls on Google to help smarten up Siri and bring other AI features to iPhone

Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch up in technology's latest craze. The deal allowing Apple to tap into Google's AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google's Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" on the iPhone and other products. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple's AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone's AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple's AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn't happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google's competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a "major validation moment for Google," in a Monday research note. Google's AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of $4 trillion for the first time during early morning trading before slipping back below that threshold later in the session. Even so, Alphabet's market value remained about $150 billion above Apple, which for years ranked as the world's most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes. Three other companies have joined the $4 trillion club in the past year, with AI chipmaker Nvidia becoming the first last July. Apple and Microsoft also broke the barrier last year, although the market values of those two longtime rivals are now below $4 trillion. Nvidia's market value briefly topped $5 trillion in late October, before backtracking amid recurring worries that the hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into AI technology may be creating an investment bubble that will eventually burst. With its chipsets designed for AI still in high demand, Nvidia remains atop the heap with a $4.5 trillion market value. Alphabet's stock price has been on a tear since early September when Google dodged the U.S. government's attempt to break up its internet empire following a ruling last year that branded its ubiquitous search engine an illegal monopoly. In an effort to prevent further abuses, a federal judge overseeing the case ordered a shake-up that investors widely interpreted as a relative slap on the wrist, resulting in a 36% increase in Alphabet's stock price since then that has created an additional $1.4 trillion in shareholder wealth. The ruling also left the door open for a long-running alliance in search between Google and Apple. Google pays Apple more than$20 billion annually to be the preferred search engine on the iPhone and other Apple products -- an arrangement that is still allowed with a few modifications under the judge's decision in the search case.

Apple calls on Google to help smarten up Siri and bring other AI features to the iPhone

Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch-up in technology's latest craze. The deal allowing Apple to tap into Google's AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google's Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" on the iPhone and other products. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple's AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone's AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple's AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn't happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google's competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a "major validation moment for Google," in a Monday research note. Google's AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of $4 trillion for the first time during early morning trading before slipping back below that threshold later in the session. Even so, Alphabet's market value remained about $150 billion above Apple, which for years ranked as the world's most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes. Three other companies have joined the $4 trillion club in the past year, with AI chipmaker Nvidia becoming the first last July. Apple and Microsoft also broke the barrier last year, although the market values of those two longtime rivals are now below $4 trillion. Nvidia's market value briefly topped $5 trillion in late October, before backtracking amid recurring worries that the hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into AI technology may be creating an investment bubble that will eventually burst. With its chipsets designed for AI still in high demand, Nvidia remains atop the heap with a $4.5 trillion market value. Alphabet's stock price has been on a tear since early September when Google dodged the U.S. government's attempt to break up its internet empire following a ruling last year that branded its ubiquitous search engine an illegal monopoly. In an effort to prevent further abuses, a federal judge overseeing the case ordered a shake-up that investors widely interpreted as a relative slap on the wrist, resulting in a 36% increase in Alphabet's stock price since then that has created an additional $1.4 trillion in shareholder wealth. The ruling also left the door open for a long-running alliance in search between Google and Apple. Google pays Apple more than$20 billion annually to be the preferred search engine on the iPhone and other Apple products -- an arrangement that is still allowed with a few modifications under the judge's decision in the search case.

Apple is not throwing in the AI towel with Google deal -- 'Apple is building its own models based on Gemini that will power a more advanced version of Siri' says analyst

When Apple confirmed it's working with Google to bring Gemini models into Apple Intelligence, the reaction was swift -- and predictable. Could it be that Apple was admitting defeat in the AI race and was now leaning on Google to catch up? But according to multiple industry analysts, that interpretation misses what's actually happening. This deal isn't Apple giving up on AI -- it's Apple choosing how and where it wants to compete. "I don't think it's the slightest bit controversial to say that Google was ahead of Apple in terms of AI model development," says Avi Greengart, founder and lead analyst at Techsponential. "Apple is building its own models based on Gemini that will power a more advanced version of Siri." That distinction matters. Apple isn't outsourcing Siri. Instead, it's using Gemini as a foundational model layer, then building its own systems on top -- including how AI runs on-device, in Apple's private cloud and across first-party apps. Greengart expects meaningful differentiation between what lives on the phone and what happens in the cloud, along with deeper integration into Apple's UI and app ecosystem. In other words, Gemini may power the engine, but Apple still designs the car. Carolina Milanesi, founder and principal analyst at The Heart of Tech, sees the move as pragmatic rather than defensive. "Google is the foundational model behind the new Siri, so Apple can still deliver a differentiated experience by how it will use that to add value across the ecosystem," she explains. Apple, Milanesi argues, doesn't need to win the AI arms race the same way Google, Microsoft or OpenAI do -- because that's not Apple's business model. "They are not a cloud company or an AI company in the same way GCP, Microsoft or AWS are," she says. "They're leveraging what others do well and sticking to what they do best." That "what they do best" includes hardware-software integration, privacy controls, custom silicon and tightly managed user experiences -- all areas where Apple still has significant leverage. One of the most important takeaways from both analysts is this: AI models are increasingly commoditized. What differentiates assistants now is context, permissions and ecosystem access. Essentially, Apple holds advantages Google doesn't. Siri has deep access to on-device data, system-level actions and private cloud infrastructure designed specifically for Apple users. That allows it to power out-of-the-box experiences in ways third-party assistants can't -- regardless of which model sits underneath. That's also why Apple can afford to offer multiple models at once. In the short term, Siri will continue offering ChatGPT as an option for certain queries, and Greengart notes that could remain true even after Gemini-based Apple Intelligence rolls out later this year. Some users will prefer OpenAI. Others won't. Apple can accommodate both. If this deal levels the playing field on AI capabilities, does that weaken Apple's position against Google's Pixel lineup? Not necessarily. "As far as Pixel vs. iPhone, the ecosystem still matters to users," Milanesi says. "It's a big part of the decision when picking a phone." AI may influence buying decisions, but it doesn't override years of platform investment, app libraries, accessories and services. Apple isn't trying to win by being the best AI company -- it's trying to make AI invisible, useful and embedded everywhere. This Google partnership doesn't signal Apple falling behind. It signals Apple choosing efficiency over ego. By adopting Gemini as a foundation while controlling the experience layer, Apple avoids an expensive race to build a massive standalone model -- and focuses instead on what actually reaches users. So no, Apple isn't throwing in the AI towel. It's betting that the experience matters more than the model behind it.

Google Says Gemini Partnership With Apple Will Go Beyond Siri Revamp

Google today announced that its AI platform Gemini will help power not only a more personalized version of Siri, but a range of future Apple Intelligence features. "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology," said Google, in a statement. "These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year." Apple is "excited about the innovative new experiences" that the partnership will unlock, but the statement did not provide any details about specific features. It is unclear if Gemini will help power any existing Apple Intelligence features, such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Notification Summaries. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and on Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers, with Apple promising industry-leading privacy standards. The more personalized version of Siri is expected to be introduced with iOS 26.4 in March or April, following a lengthy delay. The new capabilities will include better understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps.

Apple gives up and lets Google take the AI wheel - Gemini will officially power Siri's big AI upgrade this year

We're still waiting patiently for the arrival of Apple's AI-powered version of Siri, but a new deal with Google could mean that the upgraded voice assistant is one step closer to launching. In a joint statement given to CNBC (which we've also now received), Apple and Google say they're about to enter a multi-year partnership. Apple will use Google's AI models to power artificial intelligence features, including a next-gen Siri later this year. "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year," the surprise joint statement reads. Even more surprising is that Apple has publicly admitted that Google's AI tools are simply a step above its own. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards," the joint statement concluded. We can't say that we're entirely surprised that it's come to this. Late last year, we reported that Gemini may be the only way for Apple's AI Siri voice to see the light of day following rumors sparked by Mark Gurman at Bloomberg. Gurman first reported on this rumor in August 2025, then doubled down on his findings a few months after. Apple first unveiled its plans to launch an AI-upgraded Siri during WWDC 2024 where it announced its multi-modal Apple Intelligence platform, which offers a slew of generative AI tools for image editing, organization, and functions such as your standard AI search summaries. It was set for a 2025 launch, but here we are in 2026 without it. It's been a bit of a rocky road for the next-gen Siri. Following Apple's WWDC 2025 event, the company delayed its launch and promised a spring 2026 launch. Between now and then, a handful of Apple's competitors have taken the AI world by storm, including Google's upgrades for Gemini for Home. Amazon has also dipped its toe into the AI waters with the launch of Alexa+, which has recently launched on the web. On paper, the Apple-Google partnership sounds like great news for iPhone owners, who've been struggling away with the increasingly creaking current version of Siri. But it remains to be seen exactly when the new Siri will launch, and what this all means for its current ChatGPT integration.

How Apple Is Buying an AI Strategy From Google

Apple's approach to AI since the release of ChatGPT has been confused and confusing. Its first idea was to rerelease Siri, only this time with some modest, on-device LLM models looped in. This didn't amount to much -- iOS devices aren't much easier to talk to than they were five or, remarkably, ten years ago -- creating the impression that Apple was missing the AI wave. This sense temporarily drove down the company's stock price and led to some executive departures. This was always a bit of a strange narrative, in part because Apple, a company that makes money selling hardware and add-on services for its hardware, was never a natural competitor for the likes of OpenAI. Maybe it was behind. Maybe it was simply cautious and slow to act after overpromising with Siri and turning the product into a punch line. Maybe its leadership didn't really have much of a plan at all. In any case, it's 2026, and Apple is under a lot of pressure to do something. So it returned to its closest partner -- and one of its biggest competitors -- in big tech: Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. This is a new deal but, in a broader sense, a straightforward continuation: Apple has been productively working with Google for many years, taking billions of dollars in payments in exchange for making Google the default search engine for iOS users. Apple could have built its own search engine, of course, but it never really saw the need. Its users seemed to want to use Google, Google was paying Apple, and Apple was making lots of money elsewhere. When this relationship came under serious antitrust scrutiny -- and survived, which also helps explain how this deal happened -- Apple finally explained its rationale explicitly in a declaration to the court: "Creating a search engine would cost billions of dollars and take many years," wrote Apple VP Eddie Cue, adding that "a viable search engine would require building a platform to sell targeted advertising, which is not a core business of Apple." It took Apple more than a decade to spell this out, but you might apply a similar logic to outsourcing its AI infrastructure to Google: Doing it by itself would cost a huge amount of money and would draw resources away from areas where Apple makes all its money, and, well, it's not really the type of thing the company's very good at. One funny thing about all this is how much people are making it about the potential eventual success of Siri, a product nobody outside of Apple really cares about much at all. This is partly Apple's fault for mentioning it in the announcement and, more generally, for insisting on keeping the brand alive since 2011 (most of the nascent iOS features that could benefit from help from a model-maker like Google are already collected under the banner of Apple Intelligence, not Siri). What's more important here is the unstated division of labor. Apple wants to keep making and selling premium devices, and Google wants to use those devices to drive people to use its services. That part is familiar, and given the immense size of each firm now, it could amount to a fairly wild consolidation of power -- one that particularly benefits Google as it fends off genuine threats to its search business from new competitors like OpenAI, for which this announcement is unambiguously bad news. But Apple leaning on Google for help, and potentially integrating outside Google services with its devices, will also serve as a test for how people actually want to use AI services on their phones. Will they want Gemini-ish features embedded deeply in their phones' operating systems? Or will they want to use them separately in new interfaces of their own? Apple has faced similar questions before, and the results were hard to predict. In the 2010s, during the simultaneous rise of the App Store and the dominant web-based services that eventually became synonymous with big tech, Apple experimented with integrating, well, all of them. Some, like expanding Google's search default status into OS-level Spotlight searches, turned out to be intuitive and stuck around. Others, like the ability to post tweets or Facebook updates straight from iOS, never quite felt right and fell out of favor. One can imagine either trajectory for AI integration in modern smartphones. Google has been using Android, its own smartphone operating system, to figure out what AI on the phone should look like since 2024, and the results are interesting but so far fairly unambitious: There are some OS-level features, like better Siri-style device control and "What am I looking at"-type functions that can analyze the contents of your screen or your camera. But even within its own environment, a lot of interactions with AI features tend to lead you into the Gemini app, which is itself growing into a more generally powerful piece of software. If users are craving a version of iOS that works more like a chatbot, this partnership might help deliver that for Apple. But if they mostly want to be left alone to interact with AI apps directly -- to use ChatGPT or Gemini or Claude in the way they were designed to be used, or maybe even to experiment with AI-first devices in different form factors -- it might end up meaning a lot more for Google, which will likely be able to guide more people into its next generation of products, than for Apple, which will be paying Google for the privilege.

With Its Google Gemini Deal, Apple Just Made Its Most Intelligent Move Yet

But the biggest problem has been that Siri, Apple's voice assistant, seems to be getting worse when it desperately needs to get better. Apple made big promises about a new version that would have contextual awareness and could take action on your behalf based on what your device knows about you. Early last year, Apple said those features would be delayed as the company went back to the drawing board. Now, we're seeing for the first time what it was Apple came up with on that drawing board. On Monday, the company gave a statement to CNBC, later reiterated in a post from Google, that Apple would rely on Gemini to provide the underlying foundation model for Siri and Apple Intelligence. The announcement isn't a surprise. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple had held a bake-off to choose an AI partner, and that Google had won. At the time, the move seemed curious since Gemini wasn't considered the "best" by most observers. Of course, Apple most certainly had access to Gemini 3, which hadn't been publicly released, but which is now widely viewed as top of the class.

Apple's Gemini Deal with Google Is Just Buying Time, Says Analyst - Phandroid

Apple's deal with Google to power Siri with Gemini AI isn't a long-term strategy. That's according to top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says the Apple Gemini deal is just buying time while the company builds its own AI infrastructure. Apple confirmed the partnership last week, but Kuo believes it's a temporary solution to handle immediate pressure ahead of WWDC 2026. For those who missed the previous announcement, Google's Gemini models will train and boost Apple's Foundation Models for Siri upgrades. Apple says no data gets shared with Google, and everything stays private where possible. However, the company faces two major problems right now. First, it needs to deliver an impressive Siri demo at WWDC after multiple delays. Second, it has to keep up with exploding cloud AI expectations. Gemini helps bridge that gap quickly. The Apple Gemini deal reportedly costs around $1 billion per year, similar to their search deal with Google. But Kuo says this is just a stopgap. Apple's actual play involves mass-producing its own AI server chips in the second half of 2026. Those chips will power data centers launching in 2027 to handle hybrid and on-device AI workloads. That's when Apple can finally cut its reliance on outside companies. For iPhone users, Siri gets smarter this year through Gemini-boosted features like better context and task handling. But by 2027, expect fully Apple-controlled AI tied to new chips. That likely means hardware upgrades (iPhone 18?) to unlock peak performance. Apple's struggled with AI for years now, so this partnership gives them breathing room. Meanwhile, Android phones like Pixels bake Gemini directly into the system, with data loops constantly improving it. Apple's deal keeps Gemini hidden behind Siri with no branding or direct user access. Smart move to test advanced AI without ecosystem lock-in risks. But it also means Google could get smarter off iPhone data indirectly. Either way, this partnership is clearly a bridge, not the destination.

Google Gemini AI picked to power Apple's Siri

Apple will use Google's Gemini AI models to power its Apple Intelligence features, including an updated version of Siri, the companies announced Monday. "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology," they said in a joint statement. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," they added. Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker's push to incorporate AI features into its products, has so far relied on OpenAI's ChatGPT to handle certain capabilities, with the two companies initially announcing a partnership in June 2024. Google CEO Sundar Pichai hinted at a deal last year, noting during a court appearance that Apple had expressed interest in partnering with other AI providers and that Google hoped to strike an agreement. The discussions of the deal came up as Google sought to fend off a potential breakup last April. After a judge ruled in August 2024 that the tech giant had illegally monopolized online search, the Justice Department argued it should be required to sell off its Chrome browser. Pichai took the stand as part of a three-week hearing in the spring, during which he emphasized the competition that Google faces on the AI front from the likes of OpenAI. He noted at the time that his company lost out to the ChatGPT maker on the Apple deal. The judge ultimately declined to order a breakup in September. Despite early stumbles in the AI race, Google recently seems to have found its footing. The tech giant released a new version of Gemini in November that outperformed ChatGPT on several benchmarks and reportedly led OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to internally declare a "code red."

Apple Calls on Google to Help Smarten up Siri and Bring Other AI Features to the IPhone

Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch up in technology's latest craze. The deal allowing Apple to tap into Google's AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google's Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" on the iPhone and other products. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple's AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone's AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple's AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn't happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google's competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a "major validation moment for Google," in a Monday research note. Google's AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of $4 trillion for the first time during early morning trading before slipping back below that threshold later in the session. Even so, Alphabet's market value remained about $150 billion above Apple, which for years ranked as the world's most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes. Three other companies have joined the $4 trillion club in the past year, with AI chipmaker Nvidia becoming the first last July. Apple and Microsoft also broke the barrier last year, although the market values of those two longtime rivals are now below $4 trillion. Nvidia's market value briefly topped $5 trillion in late October, before backtracking amid recurring worries that the hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into AI technology may be creating an investment bubble that will eventually burst. With its chipsets designed for AI still in high demand, Nvidia remains atop the heap with a $4.5 trillion market value. Alphabet's stock price has been on a tear since early September when Google dodged the U.S. government's attempt to break up its internet empire following a ruling last year that branded its ubiquitous search engine an illegal monopoly. In an effort to prevent further abuses, a federal judge overseeing the case ordered a shake-up that investors widely interpreted as a relative slap on the wrist, resulting in a 36% increase in Alphabet's stock price since then that has created an additional $1.4 trillion in shareholder wealth. The ruling also left the door open for a long-running alliance in search between Google and Apple. Google pays Apple more than$20 billion annually to be the preferred search engine on the iPhone and other Apple products -- an arrangement that is still allowed with a few modifications under the judge's decision in the search case.

Apple's Siri will be powered by Google's Gemini AI in new partnership

Google just rolled out Gemini 3, its newest AI model, and it's built to handle tougher questions with way less prompting. Alphabet Inc. and Apple have announced a partnership to use Google's AI technology to power the foundation of Apple's Intelligence and Siri in the upcoming year. The multi-year collaboration will have Apple's "Foundation Model" be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology, according to the announcement. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," a joint statement from Google and Apple reads. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." Speculation about a potential partnership had been the topic of AI discussions after Bloomberg reported in August that Apple had entered into talks with Google about using Gemini to revamp Siri. USA TODAY reached out to Apple for details regarding the agreement, including how much this new multi-year deal will cost Apple. Details remain unclear; Apple did not respond to USA TODAY's questions at the time of publication. This news broke shortly after Google was announced as the fourth company to reach a $4 trillion market cap. Much of this growth stems from Google's emergence as a leading player in AI, particularly after the company released its Gemini 3 AI model in late 2025. For years, Apple has taken a back seat in the AI race, as companies like Google, OpenAI, and Perplexity have fought to make new advances in artificial intelligence. In 2024, Apple announced that it would integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT into its iOS platform, allowing customers to use ChatGPT's capabilities and tools on their devices. It's unclear whether this new partnership with Google will affect Apple's prior agreement with OpenAI. Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at [email protected], follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.

Apple has confirmed that Siri's big AI reboot will be powered by Google's Gemini

Previous reports had already indicated that Apple was discussing a Gemini partnership with Google to improve Siri's AI capabilities. Now it's official. Apple has confirmed that Google's Gemini will power the next-generation version of Siri, marking one of the biggest changes to Apple's voice assistant since its launch. Apple confirmed the partnership in a statement shared with CNBC, saying it chose Google after weighing multiple options. "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," the company said. Why Apple turned to Google for Siri's AI upgrade This move has been building for a while. Apple first teased a more personalized, AI-driven Siri at WWDC 2024, promising a better understanding of personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper control across apps. Recommended Videos But those upgrades were delayed last year, with Apple admitting the features were taking longer than expected. Meanwhile, assistants like Gemini and ChatGPT surged ahead, setting new expectations for what conversational AI should be able to do. By bringing Gemini into the mix, Apple gains access to a more powerful language model and Google's massive, constantly updated knowledge base. That matters for tasks Siri has historically struggled with, like answering complex questions, understanding follow-ups, and pulling together information from across the web. According to CNBC, the partnership will lean on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology to support future Apple Foundation Models, not just Siri. The next-generation Siri is expected to arrive later this year with iOS 26.4, likely in March or April. However, this does not replace Apple's existing ChatGPT integration, which is still used for certain complex queries, though Apple hasn't said how the two systems will coexist long term. Google Gemini will help power not only a more personalized version of Siri but a broader range of upcoming Apple Intelligence features. Nevertheless, leaning on Gemini could give Siri the reboot it badly needs, even if it means relying on a longtime rival.

Apple Said to Maintain Control Over Gemini-Powered Siri's Responses

Apple will reportedly not publicise the usage of Gemini models in Siri Apple and Google's reported partnership has quickly become the most talked-about tech discussion this week. On Tuesday, the two companies announced a partnership which will see the Gemini maker offer a custom artificial intelligence (AI) model to the iPhone maker. The latter will then integrate it to power the promised advanced Siri and certain Apple Intelligence experiences. So far, no details have been available on how this collaboration will work, but a new report has revealed details about the deal and the integration of the technology. How Will the Gemini-Powered Siri Work? According to The Information (via 9to5mac), Apple will hold greater control over the Gemini models than it did over OpenAI's ChatGPT. Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication claimed that not only will the iPhone maker be able to fine-tune the AI model's responses to a style that it prefers, it will also be able to ask Google to make broader adjustments to how the model functions. Today, when Siri defers a query to ChatGPT, there are visual and text cues to signal that the chatbot is powering the response. However, this will not be the case with Gemini. Apple will reportedly not include any branding or information that the responses generated are powered by Gemini. Instead, it will be integrated organically. The publication also claims that the Cupertino-based tech giant might not reveal the implementation strategy or the features that use Google's technology at all. The AI-powered Siri will reportedly use Gemini's capabilities specifically to improve the performance of answers that relate to world knowledge. So, the user will get actual information instead of a list of links they need to visit to find the answer. Additionally, it is said that one particular area Gemini will power is Siri's answers to emotional questions. "In the Gemini-based version, Siri will give more thorough conversational responses, the way ChatGPT and Gemini do," The Information quoted the unnamed source as saying. Finally, on the architecture, the report claims that Apple will opt for a hybrid approach with the technology. Siri's basic on-device capabilities, such as setting a timer or sending a text message, will reportedly be merged with the system that allows it to provide answers to more complex queries.

Apple Investors Are Still Waiting for an AI Siri. A New Deal With Google Could Help It Deliver

The new features are set to include an AI-enhanced Siri due later this year. Could a new deal with Google help Apple sell investors on its AI Vision? The iPhone maker plans to use Google's Gemini to power future Apple Intelligence features, including an AI-enhanced Siri coming later this year, the companies said Monday, ending months of speculation about a tie-up. Shares of Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL) climbed 1% to an all-time high following the news, pushing its end-of-day market capitalization above the $4 trillion mark for the first time. Apple (AAPL) shares ticked up 0.3%, leaving them about 9% off their highs last month. Wedbush's Dan Ives, a longtime Apple and Alphabet bull, called the deal a "major validation moment" for Google's Gemini and a key "stepping stone" for Apple in its strategy after a series of delays in some of its highly anticipated AI features. The iPhone maker had previously suggested its AI-powered Siri would become available as early as last spring, before later telling investors it would launch this year. JPMorgan analysts, who hold an "overweight" rating for Apple, said they also see the multi-year partnership with Google potentially becoming a longer-term arrangement, with investors likely to be watching whether Apple will declare an AI model partner in China next. "In our view the Street is underestimating what 2026 is going to bring for Apple," said Ives, citing expectations the company could make more meaningful progress in its AI roadmap this year. He reiterated a Street-high target of $350 for the stock, suggesting close to 35% upside from Monday's close.

Apple to fine-tune Gemini independently, no Google branding on Siri, more - 9to5Mac

The Information has published a report with interesting tidbits about Apple's partnership with Google, which will have Gemini serve as the foundation for its AI features, including the new Siri. Here are the details. Yesterday's joint announcement that Apple had decided to rely on Gemini to power its AI features was light on technical specifics. The companies stated that Apple's Gemini-based features "will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute," which means that Google won't have access to user data by design, but that was it. Today, The Information published an interesting look at some aspects of the partnership, including the fact that Apple will be able to adjust its version of the Gemini model independently: Apple can ask Google to tweak aspects of how the Gemini model works, but otherwise Apple can finetune Gemini on its own so that it responds to queries the way Apple prefers, the person involved in the project said. The report also partly answers a question that multiple people have been either asking themselves or speculating about when it comes to how prominent the Google branding will be throughout the experience: In the current prototype of Apple's Gemini-based system, AI answers don't include any branding related to Google or Gemini, this person said. Although the final experience may change from the current implementation, this partly echoes a Bloomberg report from late last year, in which Mark Gurman said: I don't expect either company to ever discuss this partnership publicly, and you shouldn't expect this to mean Siri will be flooded with Google services or Gemini features already found on Android devices. It just means Siri will be powered by a model that can actually provide the AI features that users expect -- all with an Apple user interface. The Information also notes that Apple expects the Gemini-powered Siri to improve its performance on answers related to world knowledge by actually answering the question ("such as describing the population of a country or scientific information") rather than listing links for the user to visit. The Information's report also notes that Apple expects the Gemini-powered Siri to become better at providing emotional support: "Another common set of questions Siri has historically struggled with involved emotional support, such as when a customer tells the voice assistant it is feeling lonely or disheartened. In the Gemini-based version, Siri will give more thorough conversational responses the way ChatGPT and Gemini do, this person said." Setting emotional support as a goal could be a risky move, as there's no shortage of documented cases in which vulnerable users have harmed themselves after having conversations with chatbots. In many instances, rather than offering appropriate safety guidance or steering users toward real-world help, the systems hallucinated, misread the situation, or failed to grasp the stakes of the conversation, sometimes with serious consequences. How exactly the Gemini-powered Siri will handle this situation when it inevitably comes up, remains to be seen. Last August, at a company-wide meeting, Apple's head of software, Craig Federighi, addressed one of the biggest sticking points of Apple's fumbled Siri revamp. At the time, Bloomberg reported: Federighi explained that the problem was caused by trying to roll out a version of Siri that merged two different systems: one for handling current commands -- like setting timers -- and another based on large language models, the software behind generative AI. "We initially wanted to do a hybrid architecture, but we realized that approach wasn't going to get us to Apple quality," Federighi said. While The Information's report doesn't go in-depth to address this technical aspect exactly, it does note the following: While certain common Siri tasks such as setting a timer, reminder or sending a specific text message to a phone contact will continue to be powered by technology stored on Apple devices, the new version of Siri would also be able to handle instances in which the customer's question isn't clearly understood. For example, if someone asks Siri to send a text message to their mother or sister, but the customer doesn't store their names that way in their contacts, the Gemini-based Siri would could search through their messages to figure out which of their contacts is most likely to be their mother or sister, this person said. In other words, it appears that Apple is still seeking to merge traditional, low-stakes natural language processing tasks (such as setting timers or creating simple reminders) with more complex, non-deterministic tasks into a single, streamlined experience. As it should be, from the user experience standpoint. The problem is that while this may seem trivial at first glance, it has proven to be a challenging endeavor, even for Google and for Amazon. So it will be interesting to learn more about this as we get closer to the actual rollout of the first features from the partnership. Finally, the report also reaffirms that the rollout of Apple's Gemini-powered AI features will be gradual:

Apple can 'tweak' Google Gemini to fit its new Siri vision - report

The new Siri won't be Google Gemini under Apple Intelligence branding, despite the close integration of Google's platform within the Apple ecosystem If you're concerned that Apple's Siri will just become Google Gemini under a different name, following the AI partnership the pair announced this week, a new report suggests Apple will retain plenty of autonomy over how the AI responds to iPhone users. The Information has published an in-depth report detailing what its sources say about the inner workings of the new deal, which will see Gemini powering Apple's Foundational Model, including the new conversational Siri that's primed to offer much greater personalisation. According to the report: "Apple can ask Google to tweak aspects of how the Gemini model works, but otherwise Apple can fine tune Gemini on its own so that it responds to queries the way Apple prefers, the person involved in the project said." On top of that, The Information says with Gemini providing the backbone, Apple will debut a number of new features for Siri in short order. They will include the ability to help with booking travel, telling stories and creating Notes and, interestingly, providing emotional support. The report continues: "Another common set of questions Siri has historically struggled with involved emotional support, such as when a customer tells the voice assistant it is feeling lonely or disheartened. In the Gemini-based version, Siri will give more thorough conversational responses the way ChatGPT and Gemini do, this person said." Apple had already announced it was planning on a next-generation Siri that would be use contextual information from other apps (such as ETAs of flight's from the Mail app) and past conversations. Gemini is especially good at this. Apple also had plans for Siri to respond based on what's on the screen at the time of the query. However, Apple seemingly had difficulty realising these features based upon its own Apple Intelligence platform, so the company has essentially outsourced them to Gemini. Whether they'll all arrive with the update planned for this spring remains to be seen.

Siri is getting a Gemini upgrade -- and it could change the iPhone forever

Apple has confirmed a major shift in its AI strategy: Google's Gemini models will help power the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence features, expected to roll out later this year. The move is part of a multi-year partnership between two longtime rivals, and it signals something Apple rarely admits -- that it needs outside help to compete in the fast-moving AI race. Here's what it means for iPhone users and whether this is a smart course correction or a risky bet. Apple has chosen Google's Gemini AI models and cloud infrastructure as a foundation for its new Siri experience. Apple says it evaluated multiple options and determined that Gemini offered the strongest base to enhance its own Apple Foundation Models. This comes about a year after Apple integrated ChatGPT into Siri for assistance. However, unlike including limited OpenAI support, this partnership represents a deeper reliance on an external AI provider, marking a rare moment where Apple isn't building a core experience entirely in-house. According to Apple and Google, the Gemini-powered Siri upgrade should bring: Siri has long lagged behind rivals like Google and OpenAI. By tapping Gemini -- one of the most advanced AI models available -- Apple can accelerate its roadmap instead of waiting years to close the gap. That matters because AI assistants are no longer optional features. Users now expect tools that can reason, follow multi-step conversations and proactively help -- areas where Siri has historically struggled. Gemini gives Apple a faster way into that future. There's a trade-off. Apple is famous for controlling its technology stack, but outsourcing Siri's intelligence to Google breaks that tradition, and it comes with real risks: In short, this move may fix Siri -- but it also raises questions about whether Apple truly owns its AI future. In a way, yes. With Android devices and now iPhones tapping Gemini for core AI experiences, Google's models are becoming a default layer across smartphones. That's a massive distribution win for Google and helps explain why investors are betting heavily on Gemini as the backbone of consumer AI. Is this Apple's AI breakthrough -- or a strategic retreat? It's both. Apple is being pragmatic, acknowledging it can't build best-in-class generative AI fast enough on its own. Partnering with Google lets it deliver a better Siri now, not years from now. But it's also a rare concession. Apple is trusting a former competitor with a critical piece of its future, signaling a shift away from the tightly controlled ecosystem it's known for. For users, the short-term outcome is simple: Siri should finally get much better. For Apple, this may signal a shift toward a more collaborative, less insular approach to AI.

Apple Confirms Google Gemini Will Power Next-Generation Siri This Year

"After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," the statement said. The report explicitly mentioned that Google Gemini will power Siri, as was expected. Apple's decision to lean on Google's artificial intelligence technology should result in the revamped Siri being more capable and advanced than it otherwise would have been, as Gemini's large language model is significantly larger than Apple's own model. The next-generation version of Siri is expected to be introduced with iOS 26.4, which will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Apple first announced the personalized Siri features during its WWDC 2024 keynote, but last year it announced that they were delayed. The new capabilities will include better understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps.

Why Apple has called on Google to help smarten up Siri and bring other AI features to the iPhone

The deal allowing Apple to tinto Google's AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google's Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" on the iPhone and other products. Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch up in technology's latest craze. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple's AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone's AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple's AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn't happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google's competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a "major validation moment for Google," in a Monday research note. Google's AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of $4 trillion for the first time. Even so, Alphabet's market value remained about $150 billion above Apple, which for years ranked as the world's most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes. Three other companies have joined the $4 trillion club in the past year, with AI chipmaker Nvidia becoming the first last July. Apple and Microsoft also broke the barrier last year, although the market values of those two longtime rivals are now below $4 trillion. Nvidia's market value briefly topped $5 trillion in late October, before backtracking amid recurring worries that the hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into AI technology may be creating an investment bubble that will eventually burst. With its chipsets designed for AI still in high demand, Nvidia remains atop the heap with a $4.5 trillion market value. Alphabet's stock price has been on a tear since early September when Google dodged the U.S. government's attempt to break up its internet empire following a ruling last year that branded its ubiquitous search engine an illegal monopoly. In an effort to prevent further abuses, a federal judge overseeing the case ordered a shake-up that investors widely interpreted as a relative slap on the wrist, resulting in a 57% increase in Alphabet's stock price since then that has created an additional $1.4 trillion in shareholder wealth. The ruling also left the door open for a long-running alliance in search between Google and Apple. Google pays Apple more than$20 billion annually to be the preferred search engine on the iPhone and other Apple products - an arrangement that is still allowed with a few modifications under the judge's decision in the search case.

What Happens When Apple Turns to Google for AI Technology? We're About to Find Out

Apple has officially decided to partner with Google on its next generation of AI models. In a joint statement, Apple and Google said that under the terms of their new partnership, the next generation of Apple Foundation Models (the AI models that power the company's Apple Intelligence suite of AI-powered features) will be "based on" Google's Gemini AI models and cloud technology. This means that the model will be built by Google, but will run on Apple's devices and servers. The announcement caps off a lengthy search process first reported by Bloomberg in June 2025. At the time, it was reported that Apple had held discussions with OpenAI and Anthropic about potentially licensing the startups' AI models in order to give Siri a significant upgrade. Apple's own AI models and capabilities have been considered a disappointment; in December, the company parted ways with its former head of machine learning and AI strategy, John Giannandrea.

Apple Wants to Work with Google to Improve its AI Features - Phandroid

If the past couple of years are any indication, it's pretty obvious that Apple has struggled with integrating generative AI features into its hardware and software offerings. In fact, the company even teamed up with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to Siri, although the results and reception have been less than stellar. That being said though, it looks like the folks at Cupertino have now realized that their best option to play catch-up with the competition is to work with said competition -- more specifically, Apple will be teaming up with Google to bring the latter's Gemini models and cloud capabilities in the future. An official announcement from Google reads: Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards. Apple has had a rocky start following its promise of bringing AI over to its many software and hardware platforms, with the company facing persistent delays and even lawsuits due to missing features. It even got to a point where software chief Craig Federighi admitted that Siri's AI-based features weren't reliable enough to roll out. Going back to this new team-up between the two tech giants though, not much else was specifically detailed in the announcement, so fans looking forward to a Gemini-fied Siri might have to wait a bit for more updates.

Google's Gemini AI is Coming to Siri - Here's What It Means for You

Apple has officially announced a significant collaboration with Google to integrate its Gemini AI models into the next generation of Siri. This partnership represents a major milestone in Apple's ongoing efforts to advance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, aiming to deliver a more intelligent, intuitive, and responsive Siri. The enhanced Siri, set to debut with iOS 26.4, promises to offer a more natural and human-like user experience while adhering to Apple's strict privacy standards. This move underscores Apple's commitment to innovation while maintaining its reputation for prioritizing user privacy. The video below from MacRumors gives us more details about what Apple and Google have planned. Apple's decision to incorporate Google's Gemini AI models reflects a strategic evolution in its approach to AI development. By using Google's expertise in innovative AI technology, Apple aims to elevate Siri's capabilities while staying true to its privacy-first philosophy. This collaboration employs a hybrid model that combines on-device processing with private cloud computing, making sure that sensitive user data remains under Apple's control. The partnership highlights Apple's ability to balance technological advancement with its core values. By integrating Google's Gemini AI, Apple positions itself to compete more effectively with other tech giants in the AI space, such as Amazon and Microsoft, while maintaining its distinct focus on user trust and data security. The integration of Google Gemini is poised to transform Siri into a more capable and intuitive virtual assistant. Several key enhancements are expected to redefine how users interact with Siri: These improvements aim to make Siri not just a tool but a more intuitive and proactive assistant that adapts to individual user needs. Whether it's managing daily tasks or providing conversational support, Siri's upgraded functionality will enhance its role in your digital life. The updated Siri will go beyond conversational improvements to offer deeper integration within Apple's ecosystem. This will enable users to generate structured content, such as notes, recipes, or text drafts, directly within Apple's native apps. Siri will also seamlessly pull data from apps like Calendar, Mail, and Maps to provide personalized assistance tailored to your habits and preferences. For example, Siri could suggest optimal routes based on your schedule, remind you of upcoming appointments, or help you draft emails with relevant context. This level of integration ensures a cohesive experience across all Apple devices, enhancing both productivity and convenience. By using its ecosystem, Apple aims to make Siri an indispensable tool for users, whether they are working, organizing their lives, or simply seeking information. Apple's vision for Siri extends well beyond the immediate updates introduced with iOS 26.4. Several advanced features are planned for future iterations, showcasing the company's long-term commitment to innovation: While some of these features may debut with iOS 26.4, others, such as multimodal interactions and advanced emotional awareness, are expected to roll out with iOS 27. This phased approach allows Apple to refine these technologies, making sure they meet the company's high standards for quality and user experience. The collaboration with Google represents a strategic leap forward for Apple as it seeks to close the AI gap with competitors. By integrating Google's Gemini AI, Apple demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with external experts to accelerate innovation and deliver innovative features. At the same time, Apple remains unwavering in its commitment to privacy, making sure that these advancements align with its broader ecosystem strategy. This partnership not only enhances Siri's functionality but also reinforces Apple's position as a leader in the evolving landscape of AI-driven virtual assistants. By combining Google's AI expertise with Apple's ecosystem and privacy standards, the collaboration sets a new benchmark for what virtual assistants can achieve. The integration of Google Gemini into Siri is set to redefine how you interact with your devices. With smarter, more intuitive capabilities, Siri will become a more personalized and efficient tool for managing your daily life. Whether it's automating tasks, providing proactive assistance, or delivering more natural conversations, the upgraded Siri will enhance your productivity and convenience. This collaboration underscores Apple's commitment to blending innovative technology with a privacy-focused approach. As these updates roll out, you can look forward to a virtual assistant that not only meets but anticipates your needs, all while making sure your data remains secure. The future of Siri is one where innovation and trust go hand in hand, offering a seamless and user-centric experience across all your Apple devices. Unlock more potential in Google Gemini AI by reading the previous articles we have written.

Apple's Gemini-Siri Deal Is Worth At Least $5 Billion For Google, Indicating That The Deal Would Last Through 2030

Apple's recent deal to leverage Gemini to power the revamped Siri as well as its on-device Foundation Models might be substantially more lucrative for Google than previously believed, as per a new estimate from Deepwater Asset Management. The Financial Times has now cited an estimate from Deepwater Asset Management's Gene Munster that suggests Apple's newly contracted Gemini-Siri might be worth as much as $5 billion to Google. Do note that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously disclosed that Apple would pay Google around $1 billion per year as a licensing fee of sorts for deploying a gigantic 1.2-trillion-parameter custom Gemini AI model on Apple's private servers, where the model would help process the more complex AI queries by using encrypted and stateless data to maintain user privacy. The tie-up will also allow Apple to launch a revamped version of Siri, possibly with the upcoming iOS 26.4 update, bringing the much-delayed in-app actions, personal context awareness, and on-screen awareness to its bespoke voice assistant. If we assume that Gurman's previous reporting on the topic was accurate, it then means that Google intends to provide its AI services to Apple for the next 5 years. This also suggests that we should not expect Apple to power Siri via its own AI models at least until 2031. Of course, such an arrangement does not bother Apple, which stands to gain quite a lot from this tie-up. As we explained in a dedicated post recently, consider a scenario where you ask the revamped Siri to book a restaurant reservation. Would you then tell your friends that Google's Gemini booked the restaurant reservation? Of course not, as whatever technology powers Apple's bespoke voice assistant at the backend won't matter in the greater scheme of things, especially as users would only see and appreciate Apple's Siri with seemingly enhanced agentic abilities.

Gene Munster Says Apple's Move From OpenAI's ChatGPT To Google Gemini Significantly Raises Chances Of New Siri Succeeding: 'Nice Job' - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG)

On Tuesday, Deepwater Asset Management's managing partner Gene Munster said that Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) switch from OpenAI's ChatGPT to Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google Gemini gives Siri a much stronger chance of success. Apple Partners With Google Gemini To Reinvent Siri Munster took to X and said, "Odds of new Siri succeeding just went up," while praising Apple CEO Tim Cook for turning long-standing Siri shortcomings into an opportunity for future device and services growth. "Nice job, Tim Cook." Munster said Apple's move away from GPT -- and more broadly, from its reliance on OpenAI -- in favor of Google's Gemini signals that the company is taking a more serious approach to fixing Apple Intelligence. He added that while GPT is a highly capable model, Apple is aiming to go further and believes it needs a different strategy to do so. However, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) and xAI, criticized the partnership, warning that it could give Google too much influence given its control over the Android operating system and the Chrome browser. Leadership Changes Signal Bigger AI Push In December 2025, John Giannandrea, who had led Apple's AI efforts since 2018, announced he would step down and assume an advisory role before retiring in 2026. He is succeeded by Amar Subramanya, a former AI executive at Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Google, who contributed to the Gemini Assistant. Analysts See Growth Opportunities Over the weekend, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives described the Gemini partnership as a top catalyst for Apple's AI strategy, predicting it could become the company's exclusive AI partner. The move comes as Alphabet surpassed Apple in market capitalization for the first time since 2019. Alphabet's market capitalization currently stands at about $4.06 trillion, compared with Apple's roughly $3.84 trillion. Price Action: On Tuesday, Apple shares closed up 0.31% at $261.05, with the stock slipping slightly to $260.85 in after-hours trading. Meanwhile, Alphabet's Class A shares rose 1.24% during the regular session and added 0.38% in after-hours trading, while Class C shares gained 1.11% in the session and a further 0.47% after hours, according to Benzinga Pro. Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings show that Apple retains a strong medium and long-term outlook despite near-term pressure on its shares. Click here to see how Apple stacks up against its industry peers. Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Photo Courtesy: Wachiwit on Shutterstock.com AAPLApple Inc$260.85-0.08%OverviewGOOGAlphabet Inc$337.980.46%GOOGLAlphabet Inc$337.250.38%MSFTMicrosoft Corp$469.89-0.17%TSLATesla Inc$446.85-0.08%Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Google Gemini to Power Apple's Siri

Google has closed a landmark deal with Apple to integrate Gemini on the iPhones to power Siri. Apple has long been trying to launch the AI (artificial intelligence) powered Siri in full capacity, but hasn't been able to. The deal between the companies was announced on Monday. This is a multi-year deal between the companies. Apple also already has a partnership with OpenAI also and has integrated ChatGPT in a limited capacity in the Apple products. Read More - OnePlus Open 2 Likely Not Going to Launch Even in 2026 But this Gemini integration gives Google a huge win, one that would help it in competing against OpenAI more fiercely. There are more than two billion active Apple devices globally. This will help Google garner a new larger user base for Gemini and expand its capabilities. Apple is unlikely to remove ChatGPT from its integration, and the inclusion of Gemini just seems to be a value add for the consumers. Google's Gemini already is the smart assistant on almost every Android device in the world. In fact, many of the features and capabilities of Samsung Galaxy AI are powered by Gemini only. Read More - iPhone 17e Could Launch Next Month with A19 Chip Google, in a note shared, "After careful evaluation, Apple determined Google's AI technology provides ?the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models." Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX had a negative reaction to the partnership. In a social media post on X, Musk said, "This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that (they) also have Android and Chrome."

Apple Officially Teams up with Google for Next-Gen Siri

We can expect the next-gen Siri to come out with iOS 26.4, sometime in March or April. Apple has officially confirmed joining forces with Google to use its Gemini AI model to power the next-generation Siri. It will offer a more personalized experience and will be coming out with the iOS 26.4 update. Apple also plans to leverage Gemini's capabilities for other Apple Intelligence features as well, later down the line. Apple officially confirmed that it will be partnering with Google in a statement to CNBC. Here's what it stated, "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models, and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users." Later, Google also shared a post on X confirming the tie-up, "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year." Both statements clearly mention that the Cupertino Giant will be using Gemini to power its assistant Siri. This was already rumored, as Apple's attempts to acquire Perplexity went nowhere. With Gemini, Siri will get a major AI update. It will be able to handle more nuanced conversations and provide better results. Something long-time Apple users have been asking for years. The next-gen Siri will arrive with the iOS 26.4 update, which will launch sometime in March or April. And it is only going to be available for Apple Intelligence-supported devices. Something else worth noting is how Google's statement mentions that Gemini will power Apple Intelligence features. This leads us to believe that Apple could use Gemini's multi-modal capabilities for its Writings tools, Image Playground, and Message summaries, too. xAI CEO Elon Musk also responded to Google's announcement post on X, sharing his thoughts on the matter by saying, "This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that they also have Android and Chrome." Though we don't expect either Apple or Google to respond to Elon, we will update the situation as it progresses. It is worth noting that xAI is the company behind Grok, which is in hot water currently due to its inappropriate image generation fiasco, and has been getting backlash from multiple news outlets, X users, and even government authorities.

Privacy Concerns With Gemini-Powered Siri? This Is What Apple, Google Say

Gemini will power Apple's next-generation Foundation Models Apple and Google announced a major multi-year artificial intelligence (AI) deal on Monday. The partnership will see the Mountain View-based tech giant offering its Gemini tech stack to the iPhone maker, which will then integrate it with its Apple Intelligence. Most notably, Gemini will also become the brain of the advanced Siri, which the company has been delaying for almost two years. However, the partnership also raises privacy concerns about whether Google will be able to access and train its AI models using the conversations with Siri. Apple-Google Deal Raises Privacy Questions When it comes to ensuring the data privacy of users, Apple and Google exist on opposite ends of the spectrum. The iPhone maker has implemented strong data protection measures, ensuring most of the identifiable user information never leaves the device. On the other hand, the Search giant has publicly admitted to training its AI models on publicly available web data. The conversations with Gemini are also saved in Gemini Apps Activity for 18 months by default, and can be used to improve its models unless the user turns it off manually. So, once Gemini begins powering the AI capabilities in Apple Intelligence, and more specifically in Siri, it will be important to see how the iPhone maker plans to ensure the data privacy of users. In the joint statement with Google, the company did address this in a single sentence, saying, "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." But there is no elaboration on the implementation or transparency on what users should expect. However, if Apple's claim is taken at face value, it is likely that Google is developing a custom Gemini model which will be handed over to the iPhone maker. The same model will then run on-device as well as via Private Cloud Compute servers. The Pixel smartphones do something similar, with a custom Gemini nano model offering some AI features directly on-device. For a complete understanding of the implementation architecture, we will have to wait till the company releases details regarding the same. At the earliest, this will be done when the advanced Siri is released to users, which is expected to be in spring this year.

It's Official: Apple and Alphabet Are Teaming Up for an AI-Powered Siri. Why This Is a Win for Both Companies. | The Motley Fool

The collaboration is telling. It shows Apple is willing to partner -- even with a longtime rival -- to move faster on the features for its devices. And for Alphabet, it is a rare chance to put Gemini at the center of everyday consumer behavior, not just inside of its own Google apps and services. Here's a closer look at why this looks like a win for both companies. In a joint statement on Monday, the two tech giants announced that the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Alphabet's Gemini models and its cloud technology. This means Apple is using Google's Gemini AI as a core engine behind future Apple Intelligence features, including the Siri revamp. The most important line in the statement was Apple's own justification: "Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," the press release read. In other words, Apple believes Gemini is the best path to improving Apple's AI features across its devices. Crucially, Apple is also trying to protect one aspect of its brand that it prides itself on: privacy and security. The statement says Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and on Private Cloud Compute. Private Cloud Compute is Apple's approach to handling more complex AI tasks in the cloud while maintaining tight controls over privacy and data access. Of course, a smarter Siri is not just a nice feature. It will make Apple's overall ecosystem of hardware, software, and services more useful -- hopefully leading to more device upgrades and likely helping fuel its high-margin services business, which has become increasingly important to the tech giant. For Alphabet, this is a distribution and credibility win at the same time. Gemini will not be limited to people who choose to interact with it through Google apps but will instead be built into Apple devices by default. With an installed base of active devices of more than 2.2 billion, the partnership gives Gemini a massive audience, and it should help the company maintain its impressive momentum in AI. And Apple's decision to use Gemini over other models is a testament to its capabilities. Of course, we already know that these types of partnerships between Alphabet and Apple work. Google has been the default search engine for iPhone since the first iPhone was launched, and it was even the default search engine for Mac before that. The partnership has likely been key to both the iPhone user experience and to Alphabet maintaining a dominant market position in search. The two companies are likely hoping for similar benefits with this AI partnership. While I believe the deal is a win-win overall for both companies, there are drawbacks as well. For Alphabet, this may only add to the heavy spending the company has committed to supporting its AI ambitions. In its most recent earnings call, Alphabet said it expected 2025 capital expenditures of $91 billion to $93 billion and a significant increase in capital expenditures next year. It turns out that AI-capable cloud computing is extremely capital-intensive. Meanwhile, Apple is tying a core user experience to an outside AI provider, which could limit its ability to differentiate its products. Overall, the deal looks good for both companies. It provides Apple with a rapid roadmap to a powerful Siri and an enhanced Apple Intelligence experience, allowing it to focus its attention on areas of its user experience where it believes it excels. Alphabet, of course, gains wider distribution for Gemini and a vote of confidence from one of the world's most important tech companies.

Apple Intelligence and the new Siri will be powered by Google Gemini

Google and Apple have released a joint statement following Apple's struggles to develop its own generative AI features Apple's next-generation conversational Siri AI assistant will officially powered by Google Gemini, following Apple's belaboured efforts to create its own Apple Intelligence-based interpretation in-house. In a joint statement, Apple and Google announced a multi-year deal to deliver the more personalised version of Siri expected later in 2026. The move is a significant admission of failure from Apple, who planned to deliver its own conversational generative AI assistant during 2025 but pushed the roll out into 2026. Now we know that, whatever the company initially planned, was never going to cut the mustard. Now Google has been brought in to handle business as both companies look to stave off the new AI giants like OpenAI - the maker of ChatGPT. The statement also points to a wider integration with Apple's Foundational Models for AI being handled by Google too. That effectively says Gemini forms the back-end for whatever front-end features Apple decides to launch under the Apple Intelligence banner. Apple says there's no change to Apple Intelligence in terms of privacy. Everything will continue to run on the device and Apple's Private Cloud Compute platform. Nothing will be sent to Google's servers. The statement reads: "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalised Siri coming this year. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards."

The reason behind Apple's Gemini deal for Siri is clear - and good news

Apple yesterday confirmed reports that it was partnering with Google's Gemini to provide the AI features for Siri and more. The primary reason for the announcement couldn't have been made any clearer by the way the company chose to release the news ... Bloomberg's Mark Gurman first reported that the new Siri will rely on Google Gemini models for its AI smarts. At the time, he believed the company might opt to keep this fact secret rather than explicitly reveal it. This was backed by a subsequent report saying that "some Apple leaders" believed that developing its own model didn't make sense. If you had any doubts about why the company made this decision, you have only to look at how the company revealed the information. It didn't issue a press release or pass the information to a tech site, but instead released it to CNBC's Mad Money host Jim Cramer. In other words, this announcement was pitched not to Apple customers, but rather to investors who had been questioning when the company was finally going to get its AI act together. It is, however, good news for both groups. While this approach represents a radical departure from the idea of Apple developing its own AI models to power the new Siri, I last week argued that it would be the right approach. With this approach, we get the best of what the leading AI companies can offer, coupled to Apple's ironclad privacy guarantees. Given that privacy not performance is Apple's USP when it comes to artificial intelligence, I can see no great value in Apple persisting in trying to develop its own models given the very slow rate of progress. My own view now, then, is that Apple should go full steam ahead on using the best available AI models running on its own PCC servers with its own privacy guarantees. As expected, Apple did indeed confirm the privacy assurances. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards. It's worth noting that this doesn't provide any lock-in for Apple. While the deal is a multi-year partnership, it leaves the iPhone maker free to use any mix it desires of its own models and Google's Gemini. If Apple believes it can do better than Google when it comes to specific tasks, the Cupertino company is free to use its own models for those things. If at some future point Apple pulls ahead of Google's AI capabilities for intelligent assistants like Siri (however unlikely that might look today), then it can switch path. In the meantime, for investors and Apple users alike, this allows the company to finally deliver all of the things it promised in that infamously-deleted iPhone 16 video. As my colleague Ryan Christoffel argued yesterday, it also puts the reputations of two companies on the line, not just one, doubling the chances that things will work as they should. Perhaps understandably, Apple is being deliberately vague on timings, but now that this deal is official, we can at least hope that large chunks of the new Siri will be available sooner rather than later. Does the news make you feel more optimistic about the new Siri? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Google and Apple enter into multi-year AI deal for Gemini models - The Economic Times

Alphabet said on Monday that it has signed a multi-year agreement with Apple, under which Apple's next generation of AI models will be built using Google's Gemini technology.Apple has picked up Google's Gemini models as the foundation for building the next generation of Siri. The partnership between the two tech giants signals a crucial shift in the AI landscape. Apple will reportedly rely on Google's Gemini models and cloud infrastructure to power its future foundation models, which will underpin Siri and other AI-driven features rolling out later this year. Apple said it selected Google after careful evaluation, citing Gemini as the most capable foundation for delivering new user experiences. Reports of talks between the two companies first surfaced in August, when a Bloomberg report claimed Apple was exploring the use of a custom Gemini model for Siri. The latest confirmation now puts Google at the heart of Apple's long-awaited AI push, as the iPhone maker looks to catch up after largely standing on the sidelines of the AI boom sparked by OpenAI's ChatGPT in late 2022. Apple has been delaying its major Siri AI upgrade, acknowledging it would take longer than expected to deliver promised features. This also comes as Apple has seen significant C-suite exits from last year particularly in its AI and design teams. Financial information of the deal, however, remains undisclosed. This news led to Alphabet briefly touching the $4 trillion mark in terms of market capitalisation. The company became the fourth in achieving this feat, joining Nvidia, Microsoft and Apple in the ultra-exclusive group.

Apple Turns to Google's Gemini to Power AI in Siri | PYMNTS.com

By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. The two tech giants announced a partnership Monday (Jan. 12), saying the next iteration of Apple's Foundational Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud tech. These models will help power new features for Apple Intelligence -- the company's AI system -- including a more personalized version of its Siri assistant due this year. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," the announcement said. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." The announcement follows a report from November by Bloomberg News that Apple was nearing a $1-billion-per-year deal with Google to power the Siri upgrade. The iPhone maker had considered working with other companies to help update Siri, testing models from OpenAI and Anthropic before deciding on Google, that report added. Writing about Siri last year, PYMNTS noted that the AI assistant, revolutionary at the time it first came to market 15 years ago, had since fallen behind comparable offerings from Google, Amazon and Samsung in terms of employing advanced AI features. In an interview with PYMNTS, Siri's original co-designer Luc Julia argued that an obsession with perfection was hamstringing Apple's efforts to introduce an improved version of Siri faster. Apple and JPMorgan are advancing in step with larger market dynamics found in PYMNTS Intelligence's "Embedded Finance as a Strategic Initiative," that report said. "Embedded finance, including embedded banking, has moved from optional to foundational across industries," PYMNTS wrote. "According to the report, 99.8% of surveyed companies now offer at least one embedded finance capability, with banking among the most common features at 69% adoption. Nearly half of firms also offer consumer-focused banking features, such as savings accounts, rewards or early direct deposit."

Apple and Google Team Up to Supercharge Siri with Google Gemini

Apple has unveiled a new partnership with Google to integrate Google Gemini, an innovative large language model, into Siri. This collaboration represents a significant evolution in Apple's approach to virtual assistant technology, aiming to address Siri's historical shortcomings and deliver a more intelligent, responsive, and user-friendly experience. The enhanced Siri, powered by Google Gemini, is set to debut with iOS 26.4 in spring 2026, offering improved functionality while maintaining Apple's steadfast commitment to user privacy. The video below from SaranByte gives us more details on what Apple has planned for Siri 2.0 with Gemini. Apple has traditionally prioritized in-house development, rarely seeking external partnerships for its core technologies. However, the decision to incorporate Google Gemini into Siri signals a calculated shift in strategy. By using Google's expertise in artificial intelligence, Apple aims to overcome Siri's long-standing limitations, such as its struggles with contextual understanding and conversational fluidity. This collaboration underscores Apple's commitment to staying competitive in the rapidly advancing AI landscape while addressing the evolving needs of its users. The integration of Google Gemini is poised to transform Siri's ability to comprehend and respond to user queries. With enhanced contextual awareness, Siri will analyze ongoing conversations, user preferences, and even on-screen content to provide more precise and relevant responses. For example, Siri could offer tailored suggestions based on the app you're using or the content displayed on your screen. This improvement aims to create a more seamless and intuitive interaction between users and their devices, making Siri a more reliable and capable assistant in everyday scenarios. The next-generation Siri will feature deeper integration with third-party applications, allowing users to perform complex tasks without switching between apps. This advancement is designed to enhance productivity and simplify multitasking. For instance: These capabilities aim to position Siri as an indispensable tool for managing both personal and professional responsibilities, offering users greater efficiency and convenience. Despite collaborating with Google, Apple remains unwavering in its commitment to user privacy. All data processing related to Siri will occur within Apple's secure ecosystem, either on-device or within its proprietary infrastructure. This ensures that personal information remains protected and inaccessible to external entities. By prioritizing privacy, Apple reinforces its dedication to maintaining user trust while advancing its AI capabilities. This approach highlights the company's ability to innovate responsibly without compromising its core values. Apple's decision to integrate Google Gemini reflects a balanced approach to AI innovation. While Apple continues to invest in developing its own artificial intelligence technologies, this partnership allows the company to address immediate user needs more effectively. By combining Google's advanced language model with Apple's ecosystem, Siri can evolve into a more reliable and capable virtual assistant. This collaboration demonstrates Apple's ability to adapt and innovate while making sure that quality and privacy remain at the forefront of its efforts. The revamped Siri is scheduled to launch alongside iOS 26.4 in spring 2025. Apple plans to implement a phased rollout, initially focusing on core functionalities before gradually introducing additional features. This incremental approach allows Apple to refine the user experience, address potential challenges, and ensure a smooth transition for users as new capabilities are introduced. By prioritizing a seamless rollout, Apple aims to deliver a polished and dependable virtual assistant experience. At the core of this collaboration is a vision to create a virtual assistant that feels natural, intuitive, and dependable. The next-generation Siri is designed to simplify and enrich daily interactions, whether you're managing your schedule, seeking information, or controlling smart devices. By integrating Google Gemini, Apple aims to deliver a conversational AI that aligns with the needs of modern users, offering a smarter and more contextually aware assistant that enhances everyday life. Apple's partnership with Google to integrate Google Gemini into Siri marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of virtual assistants. By combining Google's advanced AI technology with Apple's privacy-focused ecosystem, the next-generation Siri promises to deliver a smarter, more contextually aware, and user-friendly experience. As the release of iOS 26.4 approaches, this collaboration highlights Apple's dedication to innovation and its commitment to meeting the needs of modern users while upholding its core principles of privacy and security. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on Apple-Google Collaboration that you might find useful.

Apple Officially Confirms Google Gemini Crutch For The Revamped Siri

In what is an official quasi-concession of sorts to the shortcomings of its own AI-related efforts, Apple has now confirmed that a Google Gemini-based crutch for its revamped Siri is in the offing later this year, stamping a seal of authenticity over earlier reports that said so. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported back in November 2025 that Apple was planning to use a gigantic, albeit tailored, Gemini AI model to power its upcoming revamped Siri. With 1.2 trillion parameters under its belt, the customized Gemini model would "dwarf" the 1.5 billion-parameter, bespoke AI model that Apple currently uses to power Siri in the cloud. In return, Gurman said that Apple was planning to pay Google up to $1 billion per year. For the benefit of those who might not be aware, the upcoming revamped Siri will have three major components: Under Apple's purported AI-related architecture, the customized Gemini model from Google would handle Siri's query planner and summarizer functions, leaving the Knowledge search system to Apple's on-device LLMs, also known as Foundation Models under the ambit of Apple Intelligence. Do note that Apple has been working to introduce a number of key Apple Intelligence features with its Spring 2026 iOS update (iOS 26.4). These include: Now, in a statement to CNBC, Apple has confirmed its employment of a Google Gemini model to power Siri in the cloud: "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users." This comes as Tim Cook noted during Apple's last earnings call that the Cupertino giant was making "good progress" on the new Siri under the banner of Apple Intelligence, and that the revamped voice assistant remained on course for a 2026 launch. Additionally, when asked about Apple's plan for integrating other AI models with Siri, Tim Cook responded by stating that Apple's "intention is to integrate with more people over time," strongly suggesting that Apple continues to lay the groundwork for Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard launched by Anthropic that allows interoperability between AI models and various applications. Currently, only OpenAI's ChatGPT is integrated with Apple's Siri under the Apple Intelligence banner.

Apple Partners With Google's Gemini AI To Power Siri - Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is stepping up its artificial intelligence push as competition intensifies across Big Tech and investor focus sharpens on how quickly the company can deliver meaningful AI upgrades. Apple Taps Google To Power AI Features Apple is teaming up with Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google to power upcoming artificial intelligence features, including future versions of Siri, as it moves to strengthen its AI capabilities. Under a multi-year partnership, Apple will rely on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology to support its Apple Foundation Models, according to a statement obtained by CNBC's Jim Cramer. Bloomberg previously reported in August that Apple was in early talks with Google to use a customized Gemini model for a new iteration of Siri. The announcement comes as Google's market capitalization surpassed Apple's last week for the first time since 2019, with Google briefly touching a $4 trillion valuation. Apple has largely remained on the sidelines of the AI boom that followed OpenAI's ChatGPT launch in late 2022, while competitors such as Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft continue to invest heavily in AI products and tools. Meanwhile, Google has continued to advance its AI strategy, rolling out its upgraded Gemini 3 model late last year. Analyst Sees 2026 Catalysts For Apple Wedbush analyst Dan Ives laid out a bullish roadmap for Apple, pointing to several strategic and financial catalysts he believes could lift the stock in 2026 despite continued skepticism around Apple's role in the AI race. Ives said a potential partnership with Google's Gemini platform sits at the top of the list, adding that he expects Gemini to become the exclusive partner for Apple's AI strategy. He described Apple's lack of a clearly defined AI roadmap as the key issue, even as the company commands the largest consumer installed base globally, with 2.4 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones, suggesting a partnership-driven approach makes sense. He also expects Apple to roll out a revamped Siri in early 2026 as its response to leading AI assistants, and said iPhone unit sales in 2026 could exceed current Street estimates, driven by strength in China and the expected launch of a foldable device during the iPhone 18 cycle. Ives dismissed speculation about CEO Tim Cook stepping down, saying he expects Cook to remain in place through at least the end of 2027, which he views as a critical period for Apple to design and execute its broader AI strategy. Price Action: Alphabet shares were up 0.37% at $329.77 and Apple shares were up 0.39% at $260.37 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data. Photo courtesy: DenPhotos via Shutterstock GOOGAlphabet Inc$330.240.33%OverviewGOOGLAlphabet Inc$329.620.32%AAPLApple Inc$260.400.40%Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Apple x Google: Gemini to Power Siri in a multi-year deal

At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled its all-new Siri assistant, powered by the latest foundation AI models to answer smartly. Ever since then, Apple has been teasing Siri's new abilities -- like accessing personal data to answer questions and controlling apps more precisely -- but has been constantly delayed due to various reasons. As per an earlier report, the personalized Siri update was delayed until 2026. Back in November, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple could pursue a multiyear agreement with Google for its Gemini AI models over giants like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Now, CNBC reports that the news is confirmed: Apple is joining forces with Google to power its artificial intelligence features for products such as Siri later this year. The multiyear partnership will lean on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology for future Apple foundational models, according to a statement obtained by CNBC's Jim Cramer. Apple wrote to CNBC that: After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users. Given that it's confirmed Apple's upcoming AI features will be based on Gemini, the details of the partnership deal remain unclear. According to an earlier report in November 2025 from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to pay around $1 billion per year for access to the 1.2 trillion parameter Gemini model, marking a significant leap from the 150 billion parameter system currently powering Apple Intelligence's cloud-based features. We should get more details once the companies release a detailed press release on the partnership and the utilization of Gemini in Apple's ecosystem.

Apple Taps Google's Gemini AI Models to Power Next-Gen Siri, AI Features

The revamped Siri is internally targeted for a Spring 2026 release Google and Apple announced a multi-year collaboration on Monday. This move will see the Mountain View-based tech giant's Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) models and cloud technology power the next generation of Apple Foundation Models. The two tech behemoths will collaborate to power upcoming features part of the Apple Intelligence suite, including a more advanced and personalised version of Siri, which has been on the cards for some time now but is yet to be rolled out. Gemini to Power Apple Intelligence Features According to the joint statement, Apple chose Google's AI technology after a careful evaluation, determining that Gemini provided "the most capable foundation" for its next-generation models. The Gemini-based foundation models are expected to underpin a range of upcoming AI features across iPhone, iPad and Mac, potentially offering more contextual, personalised and capable assistance through Siri than Apple's prior implementations. The statement also confirms that the more personalised version of Siri will be rolled out this year. Apple Intelligence, meanwhile, will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, the giants further added. Apple has long been rumoured to be working with Google to improve Siri for some time. In November, a report mentioned that the new Siri will "lean on Google's Gemini model" and introduce features like AI-powered web search. The iPhone maker is reportedly paying Google to develop a custom version of its Gemini AI model that will run on Apple's private cloud infrastructure and enhance Siri's capabilities. Apple reportedly chose Google, likely because of their pre-existing business ties, including the search deal. During WWDC 2024, Apple previewed the iOS 18 firmware and a major highlight of the update was shown to be the new AI suite. While many of the showcased features have made their way to the iPhone since then, the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence-powered Siri with contextual awareness and natural language support is yet to be seen. According to previous reports, Apple aims to turn around its fortunes in AI progress, and an advanced version of Siri for the iPhone will play a significant role. It is slated to have an internal release timeline of Spring 2026 withe Apple reportedly targeting a release with the iOS 26.4 update. The release timeline, however, is still said to be dependent upon any potential snags that Apple may run into during its development.

Apple's Google deal just wiped out the competition

Apple and Google just signed a deal that will see the latter's Gemini AI model powering future iPhones. Though Apple has been working on its own tech for some time now (Apple Intelligence), the consensus has been that the tech giant is far behind its competition (even the best iPhone for photography doesn't offer even close to the AI power of even Samsung models a few years old) - and this move cements that fact. Currently, Gemini powers the Google Pixel range of phones, which is known for being pretty slick with its AI capabilities. It's likely Google will create a custom AI model for the iPhone that will power Siri, and the combination of Google's AI software and Apple's unparalleled hardware design means the iPhone's future dominance is secured. It's a mutually beneficial deal, with Apple in stark need of the technology, and Google in need of the visibility and market dominance that competitor Open AI is quickly gaining. The fact its own phone range could suffer is probably a risk Google is willing to take. Even though Google Pixel 9 went some way towards closing the huge distance between it and Samsung and Apple, the Pixel range is still trailing behind. I wonder whether that trend will continue when Apple's smartphones hold the power of the Pixel's internals. Apple chose Google because the AI model most closely aligns with what it wants to achieve with the iPhone. And anyone worried about privacy should be reassured by the fact that the AI still runs within Apple systems, and won't be open to the wider Google ecosystem. "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology," a joint statement reads. "These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." When two of the biggest brands partner in this way it's bound to send a shockwave through the tech world - and it will be interesting to see how other companies respond. In the meantime, I'll be happy that Siri will be catching up with the competition.

It's Official - Google to Power Apple Gadgets' AI Features and Foundation Models

The deal has been in the works since mid-2025 when Apple was trying out solutions from OpenAI and Anthropic as well Apple and Google finally made their alliance official. Rumours about Gemini powering power AI features on Siri and being used to create future Foundation Models began several months ago. But it is only in the New Year that the two tech giants formally announced the deal. "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," Apple and Google said in a statement. However, there is no mention of a price tag though they admit to it being non-exclusive. It is not as if Apple and Google haven't worked together in the past. In fact they've been longtime partners in areas such as search. Reports of a possible deal surfaced back in August 2025, specifically in relation to Apple's falling behind other tech giants within the growing AI theatre. Without doubt, this is yet another win for Google, which has been reclaiming some of the thunder it lost to OpenAI and Anthropic in recent times. In fact, Apple itself had explored the technology of the above mentioned AI giants before settling to go with old partner Google's Gemini as the AI power for its Siri. Back in November, reports emerged of Apple getting ready to cough up $1 billion for access to Google's Gemini. This marked a shift from Apple's traditional reliance on home growth technology. However, given their backlog on AI integration in Apple products, Tim Cook seems to have gone with Gemini, at least till such time they've their own AI muscle. This multi-year deal will see Apple use Gemini models and cloud for foundational model development in the future. Of course, the deal isn't exclusive as Google already has similar stuff going with Samsung, a major competitor to Apple. For once, Apple seems to have given up on its vertical integration model that's worked wonders for them. Of course, it isn't as though Apple has not done its bit with AI. They released Apple Intelligence in 2024 that plugged in AI to their operating system functions like search and summaries. However, Cook and his team went big on privacy with most processing happening on-device or via controlled infrastructure. True to its nature, Apple's AI journey has been subtle at best without the din and bustle that ChatGPT and Gemini have created in recent months. This is obvious in the way the company's overhaul of Siri has been piecemeal. Now we hear that a mega upgrade could be coming in 2026, maybe as soon as in March-April. From Google's point of view, what remains to be seen is whether their latest alliance with Apple doesn't get antitrust folks sharpening their claws. Already facing multiple lawsuits, the company could face similar issues with exclusive and default agreements, which is why Google is taking pains to state that the latest one with Apple is non-exclusive.

Apple chooses Google's Gemini AI to power Siri - The Korea Times

SAN FRANCISCO -- Tech giants Apple and Google announced Monday a multi-year partnership that will see Apple's next-generation artificial intelligence features, including its Siri assistant, be powered by Google's Gemini technology. The collaboration marks a significant shift for Apple, which has traditionally developed its core technologies in-house. A joint statement said Apple had selected Google's AI technology after a "careful evaluation" determined that it provided "the most capable foundation" for the iPhone-maker's AI ambitions. The announcement represents a rare alliance between two companies that have long competed in the smartphone market, where Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems dominate globally. However, the two rivals have maintained a lucrative partnership for years, with Google paying Apple billions of dollars annually to remain the default search engine on iPhones and other Apple devices. That arrangement has faced scrutiny from regulators, with the US Department of Justice arguing in an antitrust case that the deal helps Google maintain its search monopoly, though a judge said the arrangement could continue. Tesla boss Elon Musk, who owns his own AI company xAI, slammed the latest arrangement as anti-competitive. He called it "an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that they also have Android and Chrome." Apple reportedly had also considered partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity. Financial details of the AI arrangement were not provided as news of the deal sent Google-parent Alphabet's share price above a $4 trillion threshold for the first time. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities said the partnership was "a major validation moment for Google" and "a stepping stone" for Apple to get its AI strategy on track into 2026 and beyond. Apple is largely perceived to have stumbled in efforts to roll out AI capabilities across its products. In December, it announced that the head of its artificial intelligence team was stepping down. Last year, the company co-founded by Steve Jobs delayed the release of an improved Siri digital assistant, and is now promising it for later in the year. Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and other tech rivals have been releasing ever-improved AI models and features in a fierce race to lead the sector. Despite the collaboration, Apple emphasized that its in-house AI system, Apple Intelligence, would be used to power its iPhones and iPads at the device-only level, maintaining what it described as "industry-leading privacy standards."

Apple's new Google Gemini deal sounds bigger, better than expected - 9to5Mac

It's official: Apple and Google are teaming up to power the next-generation Siri with custom Gemini models. And based on the few details that have been revealed, the deal sounds bigger and better than we were expecting. Last fall, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reported that Apple and Google were close to striking a deal for the upgraded AI Siri to be powered by a custom Gemini model. Today, Apple and Google confirmed the agreement in a joint statement: Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards. Though plenty of questions remain unanswered, there are several key new details here worth noting. Chief among them is the scope: Google's Gemini models aren't just powering the new Siri, they'll also be used for more Apple Intelligence features. This is a big piece of news, as it means that the entirety of Apple Intelligence could get some big upgrades across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, and Apple Watch. We also got assurance that Apple's current privacy standards will be upheld as part of this deal. Though the statement is light on details, it sounds like no Apple user data will be accessible to Google. Instead, the company is simply providing the underlying tech for Apple to deploy with its own safeguards and protections. The fact that Apple and Google are going public about the deal is also, in my view, good news. Why? Because it puts both companies' reputations on the line. If Apple kept the Google partnership private, as rumors indicated it might, then any future Siri failings would be pinned solely on Apple. Thanks to Google's AI expertise, I'm optimistic that Siri flubs won't be as big of a problem very soon. But now the success or failure of future Apple Intelligence features, including Siri's forthcoming upgrades, will be attributed to both Apple and Google. If future AI features fall short, Apple won't take sole blame anymore. Also, if this multiyear deal goes well, Apple and Google can keep the partnership going. But there's nothing stopping Apple from quietly improving its own internal models behind the scenes in the meantime. Overall, this seems like a win for Apple, for Google, and for users too. I'm excited to see the fruit of this partnership -- hopefully in the near future. What's your take on Apple and Google's AI deal? Let us know in the comments.

Apple to Build AI Models Using Google's Gemini

We missed this earlier: Global tech giants Google and Apple have confirmed that the latter's next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be built using Google's Gemini models and cloud technology, according to a joint statement. Importantly, this strategic partnership will also support an enhanced, AI-ready version of the Siri personal assistant on Apple devices later this year. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," the joint statement reads. Apple says that all Apple Intelligence features will continue to run exclusively on Apple devices and the company's Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, even as it partners with Google for its AI-focused technology. In terms of the broader AI landscape in the tech industry, this move represents Apple's visible shift away from OpenAI's ChatGPT, even though ChatGPT's future integration with Apple devices remains unclear for now. Google's Gemini AI models are expected to support a more advanced, context‑aware version of Siri. The integration is intended to improve Siri's ability to process natural language, potentially resulting in a more fluid experience across iPhones and other Apple devices. For Google, this multi-year collaboration effectively serves as another vote of confidence in its range of AI foundation models. The Sundar Pichai-led company is already riding a wave of improved capability and market acceptance following the launch of Gemini 3 late last year. From a privacy standpoint, Apple has made it clear that all Apple Intelligence features will run only on Apple devices and within its Private Cloud Compute framework, helping assuage user concerns about potential data sharing with Google via Gemini. This assurance comes amid past concerns around Gemini's data practices. Notably, Google reportedly sent an email to all Gemini users in July 2025, informing them that the AI model could interact with third-party services such as WhatsApp, regardless of whether users had explicitly permitted such access. Google stated that the change was automatic and that Gemini would be able to carry out these interactions irrespective of whether a user had their Gemini App Activity setting switched on or off. Financially, Google already pays Apple billions of dollars annually to remain the default search engine on iPhones. This arrangement came under scrutiny last year during an antitrust case against Google led by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). However, a ruling in September 2025 avoided the worst-case scenario for Google, namely, a forced divestment of its Chrome browser business. The verdict effectively allowed Google to continue entering into such agreements with smartphone makers. As of now, the financial details of the latest Google-Apple partnership remain undisclosed. That said, the Pichai-led tech giant is likely to earn revenue from powering Apple Foundation Models through Gemini. For Apple, the deal allows it to leverage Google's Gemini models to deliver a smoother and more streamlined AI-driven experience across its devices. At the same time, the partnership underscores Apple's relatively lagging position in the broader AI race. The Tim Cook-led company is currently facing legal challenges in the US over allegations that it trained its AI models on copyrighted books. Elsewhere, this multi-year partnership could potentially mark the beginning of the end for OpenAI's role on Apple devices. At present, Apple partners with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence, particularly for complex queries that rely on broader world knowledge. Apple told CNBC that it is not making any changes to its agreement with OpenAI. However, it remains unclear what the new partnership with Google ultimately means for the Sam Altman-led AI company.

Apple's Strategic Use of Google's Gemini AI Explained

Apple's decision to integrate Google's Gemini AI into Siri and Apple Intelligence reflects a calculated strategy rather than a surprising shift. By focusing on user experience and forming strategic partnerships, Apple demonstrates its ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining its leadership in the technology sector. This approach, combined with advancements in hardware and AI infrastructure, underscores Apple's long-term vision for dominance in artificial intelligence and its commitment to delivering innovative solutions to its users. The video below from Max Tech gives us more details on what Apple has planned for its AI Apple's temporary adoption of Google's Gemini AI is a deliberate and pragmatic decision. By incorporating Gemini AI into Siri and other features, Apple ensures its users have access to state-of-the-art AI technology while the company continues to refine its proprietary AI models. This partnership is not a sign of dependency but a strategic move to maintain its hallmark high-quality user experience in the short term. Simultaneously, Apple allocates resources to develop in-house AI solutions that have the potential to surpass competitors in the future. This dual approach allows Apple to remain competitive while laying the groundwork for sustained innovation. Apple's success is rooted in its ability to adapt and make tough decisions when necessary. The company has consistently shown a willingness to pivot, delay, or even cancel projects to ensure its products meet the high standards expected by its users. Examples of this approach include: These decisions highlight Apple's commitment to long-term success over short-term gains. By prioritizing quality and innovation, Apple ensures its products consistently deliver value and maintain the trust of its global user base. Apple's M-series chips, particularly the anticipated M5, are setting new standards in performance and efficiency. These chips are engineered to optimize AI workflows, enhancing the capabilities of devices such as the MacBook Air and Mac Mini. By focusing on hardware innovation, Apple ensures its ecosystem remains competitive and capable of supporting advanced AI applications. For developers, this means access to faster, more efficient tools that enable greater productivity and creativity. For consumers, it translates to devices that seamlessly integrate powerful AI features into everyday tasks, reinforcing Apple's reputation for delivering high-performance products. To achieve its ambitious goals in artificial intelligence, Apple is investing heavily in AI infrastructure. This includes the development of high-performance servers designed to train and refine AI models. These investments not only accelerate Apple's internal AI advancements but also position the company to potentially offer its AI capabilities to external developers. If Apple decides to open its AI tools to third parties, it could create a significant new revenue stream while solidifying its leadership in the AI space. Such a move would also foster innovation within the broader tech community, further enhancing Apple's influence and reach. Apple's strategy reflects a careful balance between using the best available technology and building superior in-house solutions. By temporarily adopting Gemini AI, Apple ensures it remains competitive in the short term without compromising its long-term objectives. Investments in AI infrastructure, hardware innovation, and a user-centric design philosophy demonstrate a comprehensive approach to maintaining its leadership in the tech industry. This balance allows Apple to navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape while staying true to its core principles of quality and innovation. Apple's adaptability, focus on quality, and long-term planning are the cornerstones of its success. By combining strategic partnerships with internal innovation, Apple ensures it can overcome challenges and continue to thrive in a competitive market. Whether through advancements in artificial intelligence, new hardware, or an unwavering commitment to enhancing user experience, Apple remains a dominant force in the ever-evolving technology landscape. This multifaceted approach not only secures its current leadership but also positions the company for continued success in the years to come. Dive deeper into Apple AI Strategy with other articles and guides we have written below.

Apple Bets Big on Google Gemini to Power Future Siri

Apple Taps Google's Gemini to Rebuild Siri and Supercharge Apple Intelligence Apple has taken a decisive turn in its artificial intelligence strategy, choosing Google's Gemini models to power future Apple Intelligence features. In a statement posted on X, both companies confirmed that Gemini will form the backbone of upcoming AI capabilities across Apple's ecosystem, including the long-awaited upgrade to , expected later this year. The move signals Apple's willingness to rely on external AI leadership as it races to catch up with rivals that have already rolled out advanced generative AI features.

Apple calls on Google to help smarten up Siri and bring other AI features to the iPhone

Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch up in technology's latest craze. The deal allowing Apple to tap into Google's AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google's Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence" on the iPhone and other products. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple's AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversational and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone's AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple's AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn't happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google's competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a "major validation moment for Google," in a Monday research note. Google's AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of US$4 trillion for the first time during early morning trading before slipping back below that threshold later in the session. Even so, Alphabet's market value remained about $150 billion above Apple, which for years ranked as the world's most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes. Three other companies have joined the $4 trillion club in the past year, with AI chipmaker Nvidia becoming the first last July. Apple and Microsoft also broke the barrier last year, although the market values of those two longtime rivals are now below $4 trillion. Nvidia's market value briefly topped $5 trillion in late October, before backtracking amid recurring worries that the hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into AI technology may be creating an investment bubble that will eventually burst. With its chipsets designed for AI still in high demand, Nvidia remains atop the heap with a $4.5 trillion market value. Alphabet's stock price has been on a tear since early September when Google dodged the U.S. government's attempt to break up its internet empire following a ruling last year that branded its ubiquitous search engine an illegal monopoly. In an effort to prevent further abuses, a federal judge overseeing the case ordered a shake-up that investors widely interpreted as a relative slap on the wrist, resulting in a 36% increase in Alphabet's stock price since then that has created an additional $1.4 trillion in shareholder wealth. The ruling also left the door open for a long-running alliance in search between Google and Apple. Google pays Apple more than $20 billion annually to be the preferred search engine on the iPhone and other Apple products -- an arrangement that is still allowed with a few modifications under the judge's decision in the search case.

Apple picks Google to power AI for long-delayed Siri overhaul

Apple is partnering with Google to power its upcoming artificial intelligence features - including a long-delayed AI overhaul of its Siri voice assistant, the tech giants revealed Monday. Under the "multi-year collaboration," Apple's AI infrastructure will be "based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology," the companies said in a joint statement. "These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users," the statement added. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." Google parent Alphabet's shares rose about 1% immediately after the announcement, which briefly established Alphabet as the fourth company to achieve a $4 trillion market capitalization. Nvidia, Apple and Microsoft previously crossed the threshold. Alphabet was hovering near the $4 trillion mark in mid-morning trading as it seesawed between positive and negative territory. Apple shares were unchanged. The statement was first obtained by CNBC. The deal has major implications for Apple, which has been under immense pressure as it struggled to implement AI features for its iPhone and other devices. Apple was forced to delay its much-hyped Siri makeover after encountering bugs and glitches during development - a situation one executive at the Cupertino, Calif.-based company reportedly described as "ugly." Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said the deal was "much needed" in the eyes of Wall Street. "This is what the Street has been waiting for with the elephant in the room for Cupertino revolving around its invisible AI strategy, but we believe this is an incremental positive to both AAPL and GOOGL as a major validation moment for Google as a premier foundation model and for Apple as a stepping stone to accelerate its AI strategy into 2026 and beyond," he said in a note to investors. Apple was in talks with Google to use a custom version of Gemini for its AI version of Siri, Bloomberg reported last year. The outlet said Apple was planning to pay about $1 billion per year for access to Gemini. Monday's announcement didn't put a dollar figure on the deal. Apple recently shook up leadership of its AI division, hiring Amar Subramanya, a veteran of Google and Microsoft, to take over as its vice president of artificial intelligence. John Giannandrea, who had served as Apple's senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy since 2018, stepped down. Meanwhile, the Apple-Google AI deal may draw the ire of antitrust hawks, who have long criticized their collaboration on online search. Last year, US District Judge Amit Mehta sparked an uproar after ruling that Google has a monopoly over online search, but determining it could still pay Apple to ensure its search engine is enabled by default on iPhones. Google paid Apple an estimated $25 billion in fiscal 2024 alone for default search engine status. The Post has sought comment from Apple and Google

Apple confirms Google's Gemini will power new Siri features - 9to5Mac

Apple has confirmed that it is teaming up with Google to use Gemini models to power future Siri and Apple Intelligence features. In a statement to CNBC's Jim Cramer, Apple confirmed the news: After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users." CNBC says that the deal between Apple and Google is a multi-year partnership. Apple will use Google's Gemini models to for future versions of its own Apple Foundation Models. The statement from Apple does not provide any details on a timeline for when it will launch new Siri and Apple Intelligence features. CNBC says the features will launch "later this year." At WWDC 2024, Apple announced the Apple Intelligence ecosystem, with features including Writing Tools, Image Playground, Genmoji, and more. It also announced a new version of Siri with features including personal context, in-app actions, and on-screen awareness. While Apple shipped the majority of the Apple Intelligence features it announced at WWDC 2024, it delayed the launch of that revamped version of Siri. In a statement to John Gruber last May, Apple said it was taking longer than expected to deliver on those features. Today's confirmation comes after months of in-depth reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman on this topic. According to Gurman, Apple will pay Google around $1 billion per year for access to Google Gemini models. Bloomberg also reported that will use a 1.2 trillion parameter AI model to power its new version of Siri. Apple and Google haven't confirmed any of the technical or financial terms of the arrangement.

Siri 2.0: Is it Still Siri, or Just Google Assistant in Disguise?

Apple has announced a new update to Siri, scheduled for release in 2026, which will integrate Google's advanced AI foundation models. This unexpected collaboration between two of the world's leading tech companies represents a strategic shift in Apple's approach to artificial intelligence. By using Google's expertise in AI, Apple aims to address long-standing criticisms of Siri's performance, enhance its functionality, and elevate the overall user experience. This move positions Siri as a more formidable competitor in the increasingly crowded AI-powered voice assistant market. In the video below from Marques Brownlee, we get to find out more details about Siri 2.0 and how it will be powered by Google. Apple's decision to incorporate Google's AI models into Siri marks a significant departure from its traditional focus on in-house development. Historically, Apple has emphasized building proprietary technology, but this partnership highlights the challenges it has faced in advancing Siri independently. Much like Apple's reliance on Google as the default search engine in Safari, this collaboration reflects a pragmatic approach to overcoming technical limitations. By joining forces with Google, Apple can concentrate on refining Siri's integration within its ecosystem while addressing the growing demands of users who expect innovative AI capabilities. This partnership underscores the importance of prioritizing practicality over competition in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. It also signals a shift in how major tech companies are approaching innovation, with collaboration emerging as a key strategy for staying ahead. Siri has often been criticized for lagging behind competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa in areas such as accuracy, contextual understanding, and overall usability. The 2026 update aims to address these shortcomings by introducing significant improvements powered by Google's AI models. Key enhancements expected from this update include: Despite integrating Google's technology, Apple is expected to maintain its strong commitment to privacy. By customizing Google's AI models, Apple can ensure that user data remains secure while delivering a more capable and responsive Siri. This balance between using external expertise and upholding privacy standards will likely be a cornerstone of Apple's strategy moving forward. The integration of Google's AI into Siri could have far-reaching implications for Apple's approach to third-party AI tools and partnerships. Currently, Apple relies on external solutions, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, to handle complex queries and tasks. However, the enhanced Siri may reduce the need for such tools, consolidating AI functionality within Apple's ecosystem. This shift could streamline the user experience by offering a more unified platform, where Siri serves as the central hub for AI-driven interactions. However, it also raises questions about the future of interoperability between Apple and other AI providers. A more self-contained Siri might limit the diversity of AI-driven solutions available to users, potentially reducing flexibility for those who rely on third-party tools. This trade-off between integration and openness will be a critical factor in shaping the user experience. Apple's collaboration with Google reflects a broader trend of cross-platform partnerships in the AI industry. By addressing Siri's limitations, Apple aims to retain its user base and prevent customers from switching to Android devices, which often feature more advanced AI capabilities. This move also highlights the strategic importance of controlling the user interface, even if the underlying technology is outsourced. For Google, this partnership reinforces its position as a leader in AI development while extending its influence into Apple's ecosystem. It demonstrates how companies are increasingly prioritizing user experience and functionality over proprietary development, fostering collaboration between competitors to meet the growing demands of consumers. This trend could pave the way for more partnerships across the tech industry, as companies seek to balance innovation with practicality. As the 2026 Siri update approaches, several critical questions remain unanswered: These questions highlight the challenges Apple faces in balancing external collaboration with its commitment to innovation and brand identity. The answers will likely shape not only the future of Siri but also the broader trajectory of AI-driven consumer technology. Apple's decision to partner with Google for Siri's 2026 update marks a pivotal moment in the competitive landscape of AI technology. By addressing Siri's weaknesses and prioritizing user experience, Apple aims to strengthen its position in the market while navigating the complexities of cross-platform collaboration. This partnership underscores the growing importance of collaboration in driving innovation and meeting consumer expectations. For the tech industry as a whole, this development raises important questions about the future of competition, interoperability, and user choice. As companies increasingly prioritize functionality and user experience, the lines between competitors and collaborators may continue to blur, reshaping the dynamics of the AI industry for years to come.

Apple, Google strike Gemini deal for revamped Siri

STORY: Apple will use Google's Gemini models for a revamped version of its Siri virtual assistant, which is due to debut later this year. The multi-year deal was announced Monday, marking a major vote of confidence in Google. :: Google Its technology already drives much of Samsung's "Galaxy AI," but the Siri deal unlocks a large market with Apple's installed base of more than two billion active devices. Gemini models will also power other future Apple Intelligence features under the deal, the financial details of which were not disclosed. Google parent company Alphabet has been jostling with OpenAI for the Apple deal. :: Apple The iPhone maker had in late 2024 rolled out ChatGPT on its devices. That allowed the company's Siri voice assistant to tap into the chatbot's expertise to answer complicated questions. Apple says there are no major changes to the ChatGPT integration at this time. OpenAI did not respond to a request for comment by Reuters. Parth Talsania of Equisights Research said "the deal shifts OpenAI into a more supporting role, with ChatGPT remaining positioned for complex, opt-in queries rather than the default intelligence layer." News of the deal helped power Alphabet's market valuation above $4 trillion on Monday.

Apple, Google strike Gemini deal for revamped Siri in major win for Alphabet

Jan 12 (Reuters) - Apple will use Google's Gemini models for its revamped Siri coming later this year under a multi-year deal that deepens the tech giants' alliance in the artificial intelligence era and bolsters Alphabet's position in the race against OpenAI. The deal announced Monday marks a major vote of confidence for Google. Its technology already drives much of Samsung's "Galaxy AI," but the Siri deal unlocks a large market with Apple's installed base of more than two billion active devices. "After careful evaluation, Apple determined Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," Google said on X, adding that its models will also power other future Apple Intelligence features. Alphabet has been jostling with OpenAI for the Apple deal. The iPhone maker had in late 2024 rolled out ChatGPT into its devices, allowing the company's Siri voice assistant to tap the chatbot's expertise including user queries about photos and documents such as presentations. Apple said there were no major changes to the ChatGPT integration at the time, while OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. The latest agreement builds on a years-long partnership that makes Google the default search engine on Apple devices - a lucrative arrangement that drives traffic for Google while generating tens of billions in annual revenue for Apple. News of the deal helped power Alphabet's market valuation above $4 trillion on Monday. The stock, up 0.5% in afternoon trading, jumped 65% last year on growing investor optimism about its efforts including its latest Gemini 3 AI model. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards," Google said on Monday. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala and Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)

Apple Integrates Google AI Into a New Version of Siri

Apple has formally announced a strategic partnership with Google to integrate Gemini artificial intelligence models into its products, including an overhauled version of Siri due out later this year. The multi-year deal also includes the use of Google's cloud infrastructure to support the development of Apple's future foundation models. In a statement sent to CNBC, Apple said that it selected Google's technology after an in-depth evaluation, viewing Gemini models as the strongest base for its own Apple Foundation Models. The company hopes to deliver new AI-powered user experiences as it seeks to catch up in this strategic area. The tie-up comes at a symbolic moment, after Alphabet, Google's parent company, recently overtook Apple in market capitalization for the first time since 2019. The announcement also confirms Apple's growing openness to outside technology; the company began talks as early as last year to integrate customized Gemini models into Siri. The partnership marks a major turning point in the evolution of Apple's ecosystem, now backed by advances in generative AI.

OpenAI made a conscious decision to skip powering Apple's next-generation Siri: Report

Despite the move, OpenAI remains part of Apple's ecosystem through existing ChatGPT and Visual Intelligence integrations. Apple recently announced a partnership with Google Gemini, implying that the search giant will support its upcoming AI features and Siri. However, one question arose in everyone's minds: had OpenAI lost one of its most significant opportunities? According to the Financial Times, OpenAI has decided not to play a more significant role in powering Apple's next-generation Siri. According to sources, OpenAI made a conscious choice not to become Apple's custom large language model provider in late 2025. Instead, the company is said to be focusing on developing its own AI hardware, with the goal of creating products that can compete directly with established technology giants rather than further embedding itself in their ecosystems. According to one source, Apple's eventual partnership with Google was a natural fit for two established industry players. Apple announced earlier this week that it has selected Google's Gemini models to power the next iteration of Siri, a significant expansion of its AI collaboration with Google. OpenAI's decision is noteworthy, given its increasing overlap with Apple in other areas. Jony Ive, the former Apple design chief, joined OpenAI in May 2025 and is reportedly working on a new AI-focused device. The company has also been linked to efforts to recruit Apple hardware engineers and gain access to its manufacturing supply chain. Even after stepping away from a larger Siri role, OpenAI will remain present in the Apple ecosystem. For those unfamiliar, Apple announced in mid-2024 that ChatGPT would be integrated into Siri, allowing users to ask the chatbot specific questions. ChatGPT is also used in Apple's Visual Intelligence feature, which allows users to identify objects and locations with their iPhone cameras. Apple's agreement with Google is believed to be a long-term one, with reports claiming the iPhone maker will pay billions of dollars over the course of the partnership. Google has stated that the collaboration will support Apple's on-device and private cloud AI strategy while maintaining its privacy standards.

Apple's Gemini-powered Siri may debut with these AI features

Gemini will power Siri behind the scenes, with no Google branding and a phased rollout extending to iOS 27 Apple is reportedly getting closer to introducing its much anticipated and fully upgraded AI Siri. Soon after the company announced the partnership with Google Gemini, new leaks suggest that the voice assistant will soon become far more conversational, context-aware and task-oriented. This goes in line with the previous leaks that the Apple AI Siri will debut with iOS 26.4 early this year. According to The Information, Apple plans to release an early version of the revamped Siri this spring. The updated assistant is expected to respond more naturally to factual and general knowledge questions, provide emotional support-style responses, tell longer narrative-style answers, and handle complex tasks such as travel booking. Siri will also be able to generate content across apps, such as structured documents like recipes, directly from the Notes app. According to the report, Apple will announce additional Siri capabilities at WWDC in June. These include the ability to recall previous conversations and make proactive suggestions based on information gathered from apps like Calendar. These enhancements are consistent with Apple's previously stated plans to give Siri more personal context, better on-screen awareness, and more granular control within individual apps. Also read: OnePlus CEO Pete Lau is now wanted in Taiwan for illegal hirings Apple already showed how this personalised approach could work, using scenarios in which Siri retrieves details such as a family member's flight information or dining plans by referencing emails and messages stored on the device. Notably, despite Gemini playing a role under the hood, the assistant will not carry any visible Google branding. Apple is said to be fine-tuning Gemini's models to ensure Siri's responses align with Apple's design philosophy and tone. Apple first previewed the next-generation Siri at WWDC 2024. While the assistant is expected to debut as part of iOS 26.4 around March or April, the report suggests some advanced features may not arrive until iOS 27, indicating a phased rollout of Apple's AI ambitions.

Apple turns to Google Gemini to fix Siri's long-standing AI problems: Here's why

Under the agreement, Apple will base its new Apple Foundation Models on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. Apple is preparing a major upgrade for its Siri voice assistant, and it's turning to Google for help. The iPhone-maker has signed a multi-year deal with Google to use Gemini AI models as the core technology behind the next version of Siri, which is scheduled to launch later this year. Under the new agreement, Apple will base its new Apple Foundation Models on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will power a more personal and capable Siri and support future Apple Intelligence features. In a joint statement, the companies said, "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology." This shows Apple is now willing to rely on an outside partner for the core brains of its AI. The partnership also deepens the already close but complicated relationship between the two tech giants. Google is already the default search engine on Apple devices, but this deal takes their cooperation much further. Also read: Google stops showing AI Overviews for certain health questions Apple reportedly tested several AI options before choosing Gemini. According to Google, Apple decided that "Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users." Also read: OpenAI asks contractors to upload real work from past jobs to test AI agents: Report For Google and its parent company Alphabet, the deal is a huge win. Gemini will now reach Apple's massive user base worldwide. Apple also made it clear that privacy remains a priority. The statement said, "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." So, we can say that while Google will be supplying the intelligence, Apple will stay in control of how it is used and protected.