Apple Officially Selects Google Gemini to Power Next-Gen Siri

Apple and Google have agreed to a multi-year partnership that will see Gemini models power a significant overhaul of Siri later this year. The deal brings Google's cloud technology into the fold to support Apple's foundational models, setting the stage for more advanced artificial intelligence features across the iPhone and other devices.



In a statement obtained by CNBC, Apple said it chose Google after a "careful evaluation," determining that the search giant's technology offered the "most capable foundation" for its AI needs. While the companies kept the financial terms quiet, Apple noted excitement about the new experiences the collaboration will enable. It represents a pragmatic pivot for the iPhone maker as it works to close the gap with industry rivals who have spent years building out generative AI infrastructure.


The agreement confirms reports from last summer that the two companies were in talks to integrate a custom Gemini model into iOS. Pressure has been building on Apple to ship a more competent voice assistant after it delayed its most advanced Siri features until 2026. CEO Tim Cook had previously rallied staff around the importance of generative AI, but the company has largely watched from the sidelines as competitors like Microsoft and Meta poured billions into the technology.

Importantly, bringing Google into the mix does not mean Apple is cutting ties with OpenAI. The existing integration, which uses ChatGPT to handle requests requiring broad world knowledge, remains in place. Apple clarified that it is not making changes to that agreement. Instead, Google's technology appears focused on bolstering the "Apple Foundation Models" that handle on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute tasks.

Leaning on Google's established cloud infrastructure fits with the hybrid AI strategy executives detailed during a recent earnings call. Rather than matching the massive capital expenditures of Amazon or Microsoft to build data centers from scratch, Apple is using a combination of its own servers and third-party partners to scale its capabilities efficiently.

Users likely won't have to wait long to see the results. Recent supply chain information suggests the revamped Siri is slated for iOS 26.4 this spring. The update is expected to utilize large language models to give the assistant better planning abilities and more natural conversational skills. Securing Google's compute power likely ensures Apple can support those resource-intensive features at a global scale.


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