Trends

Apple and Google forge AI partnership with Gemini models to power next-generation Siri

Apple and Google struck a multi-year AI partnership where Google’s Gemini models will power the next generation of Siri and more.

Headline

Apple and Google struck a multi-year AI partnership where Google’s Gemini models will power the next generation of Siri and more.

Context

• Apple and Google have announced a multi-year agreement under which Google’s Gemini AI models will underpin the upcoming upgrade to Apple’s Siri and broader Apple Intelligence features, according to CNBC reporting. • The deal reflects a strategic shift for Apple after delays in its own AI development and raises questions about competition, data privacy and the reliance of ecosystem rivals on one another. Apple Inc. and Google LLC have confirmed a multi-year collaboration that will see Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models power a revamped version of Apple’s voice assistant Siri and other advanced Apple Intelligence features expected in 2026.

Evidence

Pending intelligence enrichment.

Analysis

In a joint announcement, both companies said Apple selected Google’s AI after careful evaluation, determining that Gemini technology offered a highly capable foundation for Apple’s next-generation AI ambitions, including personalisation and advanced contextual understanding within its ecosystem. Apple and Google reaffirmed that Siri’s underlying privacy protections will remain intact, with AI processing occurring through Apple’s device-level and Private Cloud Compute infrastructure rather than exposing user data directly to Google systems. The partnership extends beyond a simple licensing arrangement. Google’s cloud technology will help power Apple Foundation Models, which are at the core of Apple Intelligence — a suite of generative AI features Apple has been developing for its devices. Previous reports suggested Apple also evaluated alternatives from rivals such as OpenAI and Anthropic before choosing Gemini. The new AI-enhanced Siri is anticipated with the release of iOS 26.4 in Spring 2026, and will include deeper personalisation features, on-screen awareness and advanced reasoning across apps and services. Apple did not disclose the financial terms, though earlier reporting indicated it could involve significant annual payments to Google — potentially in the region of about $1 billion per year. The announcement has already influenced market sentiment. Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc. saw its market value exceed $4 trillion, reflecting investor confidence linked to the expanded role of Gemini across major platforms.