Apple Nears $1 B Deal with Google for Gemini-Powered Siri Overhaul
Key Points
- Apple is close to a deal paying Google about $1 billion annually.
- The agreement would use a custom version of Google’s Gemini AI model.
- Gemini’s 1.2 trillion parameters dwarf Apple’s current 150 billion‑parameter model.
- Apple evaluated models from Google, OpenAI and Anthropic before choosing Google.
- The upgraded Siri, powered by Gemini, is slated for launch next spring.
- Apple views the partnership as a temporary solution until its own AI matures.
Apple is reportedly close to finalizing a partnership with Google that would see the iPhone maker pay roughly $1 billion annually for a customized version of Google’s Gemini AI model. The deal would power a major revamp of Siri, using a model with 1.2 trillion parameters—far exceeding Apple’s current 150 billion‑parameter cloud‑based Apple Intelligence. Apple, which traditionally relies on its own technology, evaluated models from Google, OpenAI and Anthropic before choosing Google as a temporary solution until its own AI capabilities catch up. The upgraded Siri is slated for a launch next spring, though timelines could shift.
Background
Apple has historically built its voice assistant, Siri, on internally developed technology. Recent strategic assessments, however, indicated a need for a more advanced AI foundation to support a broad set of upcoming features. To address this gap, Apple explored external large‑language‑model options, testing offerings from Google, OpenAI and Anthropic.
Selection of Google’s Gemini
After comprehensive testing, Apple opted to move forward with Google’s Gemini model. The agreement under discussion would involve Apple paying Google roughly $1 billion each year for a customized version of Gemini. This model boasts 1.2 trillion parameters, a scale that far surpasses Apple’s existing cloud‑based Apple Intelligence, which operates with 150 billion parameters. The parameter disparity translates to a model roughly eight times more complex, promising substantially richer conversational capabilities for Siri.
Strategic Rationale
Apple’s decision reflects a strategic choice to adopt Google’s technology as a temporary bridge. While Apple continues to develop its own AI models, the partnership with Google is intended to power the immediate overhaul of Siri. This approach allows Apple to deliver a significantly improved voice assistant experience without waiting for its internal AI to reach comparable maturity.
Implications for Siri
The integration of a Gemini‑based model is expected to enhance Siri’s responsiveness, contextual understanding, and overall usefulness. Apple plans to roll out the revamped Siri in the spring following the finalization of the deal. Though the timeline is set for next spring, the source notes that plans could evolve as development progresses.
Industry Context
The move underscores a broader industry trend where major technology firms collaborate to leverage each other’s strengths in AI. Apple’s consideration of models from OpenAI and Anthropic earlier in the year signals a competitive landscape in which large‑language‑model providers vie for partnerships with hardware and platform leaders.
Future Outlook
While Apple relies on Google’s Gemini for the near‑term upgrade, the company remains committed to advancing its own AI capabilities. The partnership is described as a stopgap measure, suggesting that Apple aims to transition to a self‑sufficient AI ecosystem once its internal models achieve the desired performance levels.