TL;DR
Apple and Google have agreed to a multi-year partnership that lets Apple build future Apple Foundation Models on Google’s Gemini and use Google cloud technology. Apple says those Gemini-based foundation models will run on its own Private Cloud Compute and meet its privacy standards; Gemini itself won’t directly power Siri.
What happened
Apple and Google formalized a multi-year agreement under which Apple will base its future Apple Foundation Models on Google’s Gemini technology and make use of Google’s cloud offerings. According to the companies, the Gemini-backed foundation models will execute on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute and adhere to Apple’s stated privacy standards, with Apple retaining the ability to add its own customizations on top. The arrangement follows internal reports that Apple had been developing in-house models while also evaluating external options from OpenAI and Google amid leadership departures and delivery challenges in its AI unit. Apple previously added ChatGPT integration in iOS 18 to handle complex queries routed from Siri. Apple announced a smarter Siri at WWDC24 but delayed its rollout until 2026; multiple reports suggest the revamped assistant may arrive with iOS 26.4 in March or April, though specific timing and feature rollouts remain unconfirmed.
Why it matters
- The deal could speed up Apple’s deployment of large-scale AI features by using an established model rather than relying solely on in-house development.
- Running Gemini-based foundation models on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute may allow Apple to combine external model capabilities with its own privacy and infrastructure controls.
- The partnership highlights Apple’s growing reliance on third-party AI technology after reported setbacks and personnel exits in its internal AI efforts.
- Using Google’s technology underscores the strategic ties between the two companies, including Google’s role as Apple’s default search provider.
Key facts
- Apple and Google signed a multi-year partnership to base future Apple Foundation Models on Google Gemini.
- Apple will also use Google’s cloud technology as part of the arrangement.
- Gemini will serve as the foundation layer for Apple’s models; it will not directly power Siri.
- Google-powered Apple Foundation Models will run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute and follow Apple’s privacy standards.
- Apple can layer its own improvements and customizations atop the Gemini-based foundation models.
- Apple previously integrated ChatGPT into iPhone with iOS 18 to route complex queries from Siri.
- Apple announced an upgraded Siri at WWDC24 but delayed its release until 2026.
- Multiple reports indicate the next-generation Siri might ship with iOS 26.4 in March or April, though that timing is not confirmed in the source.
- Reports say Apple evaluated models from OpenAI and Google amid internal development challenges and high-profile exits in its AI division.
- Google pays Apple billions annually to remain the default search engine on iPhones, iPads, and Macs; this existing relationship likely influenced the choice of Gemini.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple ships the next-generation, Gemini-backed Siri with iOS 26.4 in March or April (multiple reports point to this, but timing is not confirmed in the source).
- How much of Apple’s own customization and feature set will sit on top of the Gemini-based foundation models (not confirmed in the source).
- Specific privacy and data-handling details for Gemini-powered Apple Foundation Models beyond Apple’s general statement that they will follow company privacy standards (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Foundation model: A large-scale AI model trained on broad data that can be adapted for many downstream tasks and applications.
- Gemini: Google’s family of large AI models and related technologies used as a base for building AI features and services.
- Private Cloud Compute: A cloud infrastructure model where an organization runs workloads on servers dedicated to it, often intended to offer greater control over data and operations.
- Siri: Apple’s voice assistant that performs tasks, answers questions, and integrates with system apps.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple’s umbrella term for its AI-driven features and tools across devices and services.
Reader FAQ
Will Google Gemini directly power Siri?
No — the source says Gemini will form the foundation layer for Apple Foundation Models, but it will not directly power Siri.
Where will the Gemini-based models run?
According to the report, Gemini-powered Apple Foundation Models will run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute and adhere to Apple’s privacy standards.
When will the new Siri arrive?
Apple delayed the smarter Siri until 2026; multiple reports suggest a possible iOS 26.4 release in March or April, but that timing is not confirmed in the source.
Did Apple consider other external models?
The source reports Apple internally evaluated models from OpenAI and Google as part of its review, amid challenges in its in-house AI efforts.
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