Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has made a decisive move in its long-awaited AI journey. The iPhone-maker has reached a multi-year agreement with Google to use its Gemini AI models as the backbone for the next generation of Siri. The redesigned voice assistant, which is anticipated to launch later this year, is going to significantly change Apple’s AI approach by utilising Google’s models and cloud infrastructure. Additionally, the alliance improves Alphabet’s standing in the intensifying AI race, especially against OpenAI.
The agreement deepens the already complex relationship between Apple and Google, two rivals who have long relied on each other behind the scenes. While Google remains the default search engine on Apple devices, this new partnership pushes their collaboration into far more consequential territory.
Why Apple Picked Gemini Over Everyone Else
According to statements shared by Google, Apple evaluated multiple AI options before settling on Gemini as the foundation for its internal Apple Foundation Models. These models will not only power Siri’s upcoming overhaul but also support future Apple Intelligence features planned across iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Apple’s decision is being seen as a strong endorsement of Google’s AI capabilities, especially as OpenAI had reportedly been competing for the same deal. Apple had already integrated ChatGPT into Siri in late 2024, but that partnership was limited in scope. Gemini, by contrast, will sit much deeper in Apple’s AI stack.
A Big Win For Google In The AI Race
For Google’s parent company, Alphabet, the deal unlocks access to Apple’s massive ecosystem of more than two billion active devices worldwide. Gemini already powers several features under Samsung’s Galaxy AI umbrella, but Siri’s reach gives Google an entirely new scale of distribution.
Markets reacted quickly. Alphabet shares jumped following the announcement, briefly pushing the company’s market value past the $4 trillion mark during trading. Analysts have described the deal as a validation moment for Google’s foundation models at a time when competition in AI is intensifying.
What This Means For Siri And Apple Users
Apple has been unusually open about the fact that its Siri upgrade took longer than expected. Internally, the company has gone through leadership changes across its AI and design teams, acknowledging it needed to rethink its approach. With Gemini now in the picture, Apple appears ready to accelerate.
Importantly, both companies have stressed that Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and its Private Cloud Compute system, maintaining Apple’s privacy-first stance. In other words, Gemini may power the brains, but Apple still controls how the intelligence is delivered.
