TL;DR
Apple has struck a non-exclusive, multi-year deal to use Google’s Gemini models and Google Cloud infrastructure to build future foundational models powering features such as Siri. The companies say Apple will retain its privacy standards even as it leans on outside AI technology.
What happened
Apple and Google announced a multi-year, non-exclusive agreement under which Apple will integrate Google’s Gemini large language models and Google Cloud technology into the development of future Apple foundational models and AI features, including improvements to Siri. The partnership follows Apple’s internal testing of rival models from firms like OpenAI and Anthropic and confirms earlier reporting about the deal. While neither company disclosed financial terms, some reports have suggested Apple may pay roughly $1 billion. Apple maintained that its privacy approach will continue to govern how AI capabilities are deployed, even as it moves away from relying solely on in-house infrastructure. The companies framed the arrangement as a technical collaboration to accelerate Apple’s AI roadmap while preserving its user privacy commitments.
Why it matters
- Signals a shift in Apple’s longstanding vertical-integration approach by outsourcing key AI model and cloud capabilities to Google.
- Could speed improvements to Siri and other system-level AI features that have lagged behind competitors.
- Raises regulatory and competitive questions because Google has faced antitrust rulings related to its deals with device makers.
- Privacy commitments from Apple will be scrutinized as services mix on-device processing with external cloud-based models.
Key facts
- The partnership is non-exclusive and multi-year.
- Apple will use Google’s Gemini models and Google Cloud technology for future Apple foundational models.
- Neither company confirmed the contract value; some reports estimate Apple might pay about $1 billion.
- Apple previously evaluated AI offerings from OpenAI and Anthropic before selecting Google technology.
- Apple released initial Apple Intelligence features in 2024, adding AI to photo search and notification summaries.
- Apple says it will uphold its existing privacy standards in the partnership, with much prior processing done on-device or in controlled infrastructure.
- Apple has delayed an overhaul of Siri; a spokesperson indicated an upgrade is due this year and earlier reports suggested a spring launch.
- Google is facing antitrust litigation that included findings it illegally maintained search defaults; remedies issued in December 2025 limit long-term exclusive default deals.
What to watch next
- Precise commercial terms and whether the rumored ~$1 billion figure is confirmed — not confirmed in the source.
- Exact timing and capabilities of the promised Siri overhaul (reports point to a spring launch, but timing is not confirmed in the source).
- How U.S. antitrust remedies and ongoing litigation affect future Apple–Google agreements and any limitations on exclusivity — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Foundation model: A large machine learning model trained on broad data that can be adapted for many downstream tasks, such as language understanding or image generation.
- On-device processing: Performing computation locally on a user’s device rather than sending data to remote servers, often used to reduce latency and improve privacy.
- Cloud computing: Delivery of computing services—servers, storage, databases, networking, software—over the internet, allowing companies to run workloads on remote infrastructure.
- Default search placement: The search engine a device or browser uses by default when a user initiates a search without changing the settings.
Reader FAQ
Will Siri use Google’s Gemini models?
Apple says it will use Google’s Gemini models and Google Cloud technology to power future foundational models and AI features, which include improvements to Siri.
How much is Apple paying Google for this deal?
Neither company confirmed financial terms; some reports have suggested a figure near $1 billion.
Is this an exclusive partnership?
The agreement is described as non-exclusive.
Will Apple change its privacy approach?
Apple says it will maintain its current privacy standards while working with Google.
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…
Sources
- Google’s Gemini to power Apple’s AI features like Siri
- Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming …
- Apple, Google strike Gemini deal for revamped Siri in …
- Apple teams up with Google Gemini for AI-powered Siri
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