TL;DR
A Financial Times-based report says Apple has a multi-year contract to use Google's Gemini models to power the new Siri, with the models running on Apple's Private Cloud Compute. The FT story suggests the arrangement could cost Apple multiple billions over time and that OpenAI decided against becoming Siri's custom model provider.
What happened
Apple confirmed that Google’s Gemini models will power its redesigned Siri and Google described the arrangement as a multi-year contract. Apple also said the Gemini models will operate on its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure to preserve user privacy. A Financial Times report cited a person familiar with the deal saying the agreement is structured as a cloud-computing contract and could amount to several billion dollars over multiple years; that scale aligns with earlier speculation of roughly $1 billion per year. The same FT story says OpenAI made a conscious choice in the autumn to not serve as Apple’s bespoke model provider, reportedly instead prioritising its own device work; OpenAI declined to comment. The report leaves unclear whether Apple formally offered OpenAI a contract or whether OpenAI preemptively ruled out a partnership. The piece also references an unrelated, still-mysterious device linked to former Apple design chief Jony Ive.
Why it matters
- Financial impact: a multi-billion cloud deal would be a significant ongoing expense for Apple’s AI strategy.
- Privacy positioning: running Gemini on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute is presented as a way to retain control over user data flows.
- Competitive dynamics: OpenAI’s reported decision not to partner leaves Google as Apple’s external model supplier and shapes vendor competition in consumer AI.
- Corporate relationships: a deep cloud-services contract with Google highlights ongoing interdependence between two major tech rivals.
Key facts
- Apple confirmed Google’s Gemini models will power the new Siri.
- Google characterised the arrangement as a multi-year contract.
- Apple said the Gemini models will run on its Private Cloud Compute.
- The Financial Times reports the deal is structured as a cloud-computing contract and could total multiple billions over time.
- Speculation of about $1 billion per year is consistent with the FT’s description, according to the report.
- A person close to OpenAI told the FT the company decided in the autumn not to become Apple’s custom model provider.
- OpenAI declined to comment to the FT about the reported decision.
- The FT story does not make clear whether Apple formally offered OpenAI a contract or whether OpenAI turned down an offer.
What to watch next
- Any official disclosure or financial filings from Apple or Google that confirm the contract’s exact value and duration.
- Clarification from OpenAI or Apple about whether formal partnership talks occurred or if an offer was made (not confirmed in the source).
- Announcements or details about the mysterious Jony Ive–linked device referenced in the report (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Gemini: A family of large language and multimodal models developed by Google for tasks like conversation, reasoning and content generation.
- Private Cloud Compute: An internal cloud infrastructure run by a company to host compute workloads while aiming to retain control over data and operations.
- OpenAI: An AI research and deployment organisation known for the ChatGPT series of generative AI models.
- Siri: Apple’s voice-activated personal assistant platform used across iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices.
Reader FAQ
How much will Apple pay Google for Gemini?
The Financial Times reports the deal could total multiple billions over time; earlier speculation of about $1 billion per year is said to be consistent with that description.
Will Gemini run on Apple systems or Google’s cloud?
Apple said the Gemini models powering Siri will run on its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure.
Did OpenAI turn down a contract from Apple?
The FT reports OpenAI decided in the autumn not to become Apple’s custom model provider; it is unclear whether Apple made a formal offer and OpenAI declined, and OpenAI declined to comment.
Will Siri show Google branding if it uses Gemini?
Not confirmed in the source.
Report: Apple to fine-tune Gemini independently, no Google branding on Siri, more Marcus Mendes Jan 13 2026 AAPL COMPANY SIRI GOOGLE OPENAI GEMINI Apple will pay billions for Gemini; OpenAI…
Sources
- Apple will pay billions for Gemini; OpenAI decided against Siri deal – FT
- Google confirms that it won't get Apple user data in new Siri deal
- Google's Apple AI deal marks 'huge loss' for OpenAI
- Apple, Google strike Gemini deal for revamped Siri in …
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