TL;DR
Apple confirmed a multi-year collaboration with Google to use Gemini models to power new Siri features, and the company framed the announcement to investors rather than directly to customers. Apple says its Apple Intelligence features will still run on devices and on Private Cloud Compute while upholding its privacy standards, and the partnership is non-exclusive.
What happened
Apple publicly confirmed that parts of the rebuilt Siri and other Apple Intelligence features will be powered by Google’s Gemini models. The company disclosed the partnership via an interview with CNBC host Jim Cramer rather than a traditional press release or tech outlet brief, a move the reporting frames as targeted at investors as much as users. The confirmation follows earlier reporting by Bloomberg that some Apple leaders had concluded building an entirely in-house model was not the best path. Apple reiterated privacy assurances, saying Apple Intelligence will continue to run on users’ devices and on Private Cloud Compute, and that the multi-year deal does not lock the company into Gemini: Apple can use any combination of its own models and third-party models as it sees fit. Timing for when Gemini-backed Siri features will appear remains vague.
Why it matters
- Access to leading third-party models could accelerate delivery of advanced Siri features that Apple has previously promised.
- Apple asserts it will preserve its device-based and Private Cloud Compute privacy protections even while using external models.
- Releasing the news through an investor-focused channel signals the company wanted to reassure shareholders about its AI progress.
- The agreement is non-exclusive, so Apple retains flexibility to combine or replace models based on future performance.
Key facts
- Apple confirmed a partnership with Google to use Gemini models for new Siri and Apple Intelligence features.
- The confirmation was shared via CNBC host Jim Cramer rather than a standard press release or targeted tech announcement.
- Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman had earlier reported that the new Siri would rely on Google’s Gemini models.
- Reports indicated some Apple leaders judged developing a fully in-house model to be impractical at this stage.
- Apple stated Apple Intelligence will continue to operate on devices and on Private Cloud Compute with its privacy standards.
- The partnership is described as multi-year but does not lock Apple into using Gemini exclusively.
- Apple retains the option to deploy its own models for particular tasks if it believes they perform better.
- Apple has been deliberately vague about rollout timing and which specific Siri features will be powered by Gemini.
What to watch next
- Precise timeline for when Gemini-backed Siri features reach users — not confirmed in the source.
- Which Siri or Apple Intelligence features will actually run on Gemini versus Apple’s own models — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Apple shifts the balance between third-party and in-house models over time; the source confirms Apple can mix or switch models.
Quick glossary
- Gemini: A family of large AI models developed by Google used for tasks such as natural language understanding and generation.
- Siri: Apple’s voice-based virtual assistant that performs tasks, answers questions, and interacts with apps on Apple devices.
- Private Cloud Compute (PCC): A deployment approach that routes certain AI processing through cloud infrastructure managed with additional privacy protections.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple’s umbrella term for on-device and cloud-assisted AI features integrated across its software and services.
Reader FAQ
Will this make Siri significantly better right away?
The source reports the partnership aims to improve Siri, but it does not provide performance metrics or a schedule for visible improvements.
Does using Gemini compromise Apple’s privacy promises?
Apple said Apple Intelligence will continue to run on devices and Private Cloud Compute and that it will maintain its privacy standards.
Is Apple locked into using Google’s models long term?
No — the partnership is multi-year but Apple is free to use any mix of its own models and Google’s Gemini.
When will the Gemini-backed Siri features be available?
The company has been deliberately vague on timing; specific launch dates are not confirmed in the source.
Apple confirms Google’s Gemini will power new Siri features Chance Miller Jan 12 2026 AAPL COMPANY OPINION SIRI APPLE INTELLIGENCE Apple didn’t do its Siri Gemini deal for you and…
Sources
- Apple didn’t do its Siri Gemini deal for you and I, but it’s still good news
- Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming …
- Apple, Google strike Gemini deal for revamped Siri in …
- 'Hey Siri' Becomes 'Hey Google' As Apple And Gemini Get …
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