TL;DR
Apple and Google announced a multiyear partnership in which Google’s Gemini models and cloud tech will support Apple’s next wave of AI features, including a more personalized Siri planned for 2026. Apple says those features will keep processing on devices and via its Private Cloud Compute to preserve privacy, though exact technical details remain unclear.
What happened
Apple revealed a multiyear agreement with Google to use Google’s Gemini AI models and Google cloud infrastructure as a foundation for Apple’s forthcoming foundation models and Apple Intelligence features. The companies said the work will enable a more personalized Siri experience expected in 2026. Apple emphasized that Apple Intelligence will continue to operate on users’ devices and through its Private Cloud Compute service, with the company asserting it will preserve its privacy standards. Analysts at Morningstar noted the arrangement should help Apple maintain its security and privacy reputation because Apple plans to run Gemini instances on its own servers and in its data centers under Private Cloud Compute. Observers say the partnership signals closer cooperation between the two tech giants, but the announcement left many implementation specifics — including how technology and responsibilities will be exchanged — unresolved.
Why it matters
- It pairs Apple’s device-focused approach with Google’s large AI models, potentially boosting Siri’s personalization and agent-like capabilities.
- Apple intends to keep model execution on devices and on its Private Cloud Compute, a claim aimed at maintaining its privacy positioning.
- Running Gemini instances in Apple-controlled data centers could reduce some third-party exposure for user data, according to industry analysts.
- The deal represents a visible alignment between two major platform providers at a time when smaller AI-first competitors are pushing into the space.
Key facts
- The announcement describes the partnership as multiyear and was reported on January 13, 2026.
- Google’s Gemini AI models and Google cloud technology will be used to support Apple Foundation Models and Apple Intelligence features.
- Apple expects a more personalized version of Siri to arrive sometime in 2026, powered by the partnership.
- Apple stated Apple Intelligence will continue running on users’ devices and via its Private Cloud Compute service, while upholding its privacy standards.
- Morningstar analysts said Apple will run Gemini instances on its own servers and in its data centers through Private Cloud Compute.
- Morningstar also suggested users may be able to opt in to share prompts with Gemini, though that expectation was not confirmed by Apple in the announcement.
- Apple reportedly considered OpenAI and Anthropic earlier in its search for an AI partner before choosing Google.
- The companies did not provide detailed technical specifics on how the exchange of technology will be implemented.
What to watch next
- Details and timelines for rolling Gemini-powered capabilities into Siri and other Apple Intelligence features in 2026.
- Official confirmation from Apple or Google on whether users can opt in to sharing prompts with Gemini and how that process will work.
- Clarification on the technical architecture: how Gemini instances will be deployed, what runs on-device versus in Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, and what Google will operate directly.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Gemini: Google’s family of large AI models used for tasks like language understanding, generation, and other AI capabilities.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple’s branding for its suite of AI-driven features that add personalization, assistance, and automation across devices and services.
- Private Cloud Compute: A model of cloud hosting where an organization runs cloud instances in its own data centers or isolated environments to retain greater control over data and processing.
- On-device processing: Running computing tasks directly on a user’s device (phone, tablet, laptop) rather than sending data to remote servers, often used to reduce latency and protect privacy.
Reader FAQ
Will Siri use Google’s Gemini models?
Yes. Apple announced Gemini will underpin a more personalized Siri experience expected in 2026.
Will my prompts be shared with Google’s models automatically?
Morningstar analysts expect users may be able to opt in to sharing prompts with Gemini, but Apple has not provided full confirmation of that process in the announcement.
Is Apple running Gemini on its own servers?
According to Morningstar’s reading of the deal, Apple plans to run Gemini instances on its own servers and in its data centers via Private Cloud Compute; the companies have not disclosed full technical details.
Did Apple consider other AI partners before choosing Google?
Yes. The source reports Apple had reportedly been evaluating OpenAI and Anthropic prior to selecting Google.
Will this partnership reduce competition from AI startups?
not confirmed in the source
AI REPORT TECH What Apple and Google’s Gemini deal means for both companies They’re putting up a united front against AI newcomers. by Hayden Field Jan 13, 2026, 2:33 PM…
Sources
- What Apple and Google’s Gemini deal means for both companies
- Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming …
- Apple turns to Google to power AI upgrade for Siri
- It's Official: Apple and Alphabet Are Teaming Up for an AI- …
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