Apple to Use Custom Google Gemini Model for Next-Gen Siri
Key Points
- Apple will power the next Siri version with a custom Google Gemini AI model.
- The decision followed an evaluation of Google and Anthropic as potential partners.
- Google’s financial offer was more attractive than Anthropic’s, which was estimated at $1.5 billion per year.
- The custom Gemini model will run on Apple’s private cloud, while on‑device models handle personal data.
- Apple will not publicize Google’s involvement in Siri’s marketing.
- Representatives for Google, Apple, and Anthropic have not responded to comment requests.
- Apple’s existing $20 billion annual deal with Google for default search may have influenced the partnership.
- The move aims to help Apple catch up in the generative‑AI race while maintaining strong market performance.
Apple is planning to power the upcoming version of Siri with a custom version of Google’s Gemini AI model, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. The tech giant evaluated both Google and Anthropic as potential partners, ultimately favoring Google because of a more attractive financial arrangement. The custom Gemini model will operate on Apple’s private cloud, while on‑device models will continue handling personal data. Apple will not publicize Google’s role in the assistant, and representatives for both companies have not responded to comment requests. The move reflects Apple’s broader effort to catch up in the fast‑moving generative‑AI landscape.
Background
Apple has faced criticism for lagging behind other major technology firms in the rollout of generative‑AI capabilities. While competitors have introduced their own large language models, Apple has largely relied on external AI providers to add generative features to its ecosystem. The company’s virtual assistant, Siri, has yet to see a major AI‑driven overhaul, prompting executives to explore new partnerships.
Evaluation of AI Partners
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple evaluated two primary candidates to power the next iteration of Siri: Google’s Gemini model and Anthropic, an AI competitor. The evaluation focused on technical fit and financial terms. Gurman reports that Google presented a more favorable financial deal, leading Apple to lean toward the Gemini option.
Deal Details
The agreement envisions a custom Gemini model that will run on Apple’s private‑cloud compute infrastructure. While Apple’s own models will remain on devices to protect personal data, the Gemini‑based service will handle more complex queries that benefit from server‑side processing. Apple does not plan to highlight Google’s involvement in its marketing materials. Representatives for Google, Apple, and Anthropic did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Financial Context
The Bloomberg report notes that Anthropic’s proposal would have cost Apple roughly $1.5 billion per year, whereas Google’s offer was deemed more economical. Apple also maintains a separate, lucrative relationship with Google, paying the search giant $20 billion annually to remain the default search engine on Apple devices. This existing financial tie may have influenced the decision, though Apple has denied any intent to block competition.
Strategic Implications
By integrating a custom Gemini model, Apple aims to close the gap with rivals that have already embedded advanced AI into their products. The move signals Apple’s willingness to partner with established AI developers rather than building a competitive model entirely in‑house. While the company continues to explore its own AI research, the immediate focus is on delivering a more capable Siri experience for users.
Broader Market Reaction
Apple’s market performance remains strong despite the AI lag, with the company recently surpassing a $4 trillion market capitalization. The decision to adopt Google’s Gemini model reflects a pragmatic approach to maintaining product competitiveness while leveraging existing partnerships. Industry observers note that Apple’s choice underscores the growing interdependence of major tech firms in the AI arena.