Apple to Power Siri with Custom Google Gemini Model
Key Points
- Apple will integrate a custom Google Gemini model into Siri.
- The deal involves Apple paying Google around $1 billion per year.
- Gemini’s 1.2 trillion‑parameter model will run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute.
- Apple will continue using its own AI models for certain Siri functions.
- The partnership follows earlier consideration of OpenAI and Anthropic solutions.
- CEO Tim Cook announced the updated Siri is expected next spring.
- Apple remains open to additional third‑party AI integrations.
Apple is set to enhance Siri by integrating a custom version of Google’s Gemini AI model. The partnership involves Apple paying Google around $1 billion each year for access to the technology, which will run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute infrastructure. While Gemini will handle many new capabilities, Apple will continue to use its own models for certain Siri functions. The move follows a period of delayed AI feature rollouts and earlier consideration of OpenAI and Anthropic solutions. CEO Tim Cook announced the updated Siri is expected next spring, with openness to further third‑party AI integrations.
Apple’s Strategic AI Partnership
Apple is preparing to upgrade its voice assistant, Siri, by leveraging a custom version of Google’s Gemini artificial‑intelligence model. According to Bloomberg reporting, Apple will pay Google around $1 billion annually to secure this technology. The Gemini model, featuring 1.2 trillion parameters, will be deployed on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, providing the computational backbone for new Siri capabilities such as generating summaries and handling planning‑related tasks.
Continuing In‑House Development
Despite the reliance on Gemini for many functions, Apple will retain its own AI models to power certain aspects of Siri. This hybrid approach reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to developing proprietary AI technology that may eventually replace third‑party models.
Background and Timeline
The partnership follows a period in which Apple delayed the rollout of AI‑enhanced Siri features. Earlier reports indicated that Apple had evaluated models from OpenAI and Anthropic before settling on a deal with Google. CEO Tim Cook has told investors that the refreshed Siri is slated to arrive next spring, and he emphasized that Apple remains open to additional third‑party AI integrations within its broader Apple Intelligence framework.
Implications for the Market
By aligning with Google’s Gemini, Apple gains access to a highly advanced language model while maintaining control over its private cloud infrastructure. The agreement underscores a pragmatic shift in Apple’s AI strategy, balancing in‑house innovation with strategic partnerships to accelerate feature delivery.