Apple is reportedly on the verge of a significant partnership with Google, aiming to secure a deal worth approximately $1 billion per year. This agreement would grant Apple access to Google's advanced Gemini AI model to power a substantial overhaul of its Siri voice assistant. The move signifies a strategic shift for Apple as it seeks to bolster Siri's capabilities while continuing the development of its own AI technologies.
Key Takeaways
Apple is nearing a deal to pay Google around $1 billion annually for access to its Gemini AI model.
The Gemini model, boasting 1.2 trillion parameters, is significantly more powerful than Apple's current AI models.
This partnership is seen as a temporary solution for Siri's upgrade, with Apple aiming to eventually replace it with its own in-house AI.
The revamped Siri is expected to launch in Spring 2026, with plans potentially evolving.
Despite the deal, user data is expected to remain within Apple's Private Cloud Compute structure, not shared with Google.
A Strategic Alliance for Siri's Evolution
Apple Inc. is reportedly finalising an agreement with Alphabet Inc.'s Google that would involve an annual payment of roughly $1 billion. This substantial investment would provide Apple with access to Google's cutting-edge 1.2 trillion parameter Gemini AI model. The primary objective of this collaboration is to significantly enhance the capabilities of Siri, Apple's long-standing voice assistant, which has been perceived as lagging behind competitors.
The Power of Gemini
The Gemini model that Apple plans to utilise boasts an impressive 1.2 trillion parameters, a metric indicating the complexity and power of an AI system. For context, Apple's current cloud-based AI model operates with 150 billion parameters. This means Google's model is approximately eight times more complex, promising a significant leap in Siri's ability to understand and respond to user requests. Apple had previously evaluated AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic but ultimately favoured Google's offering after extensive testing.
A Temporary Bridge to In-House AI
While this deal represents a major step in upgrading Siri, it is understood to be a temporary measure. Apple has historically prioritised in-house development for its core technologies. The company is continuing to invest heavily in its own AI research and development, with plans to eventually replace Google's Gemini model with its own internally developed, large-scale AI solution. Apple's models team is reportedly working on a 1 trillion parameter cloud-based model, with the hope of consumer applications as early as next year.
Implications for Both Tech Giants
For Apple, this partnership allows for a faster rollout of a more capable Siri, addressing a key area where it has faced criticism. It also demonstrates a pragmatic approach to leveraging external expertise while its internal AI efforts mature. For Google, the deal offers a significant financial windfall and a substantial strategic advantage, embedding its AI technology into hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide. This could further solidify Google's position as a key provider of AI infrastructure in the consumer technology space.
The revamped Siri, powered in part by Google's Gemini, is anticipated to launch in Spring 2026. However, as with any major technological rollout, plans are subject to change. It is also noted that under the agreement, Google's model will reportedly run on Apple's servers, ensuring that user data is not shared with Google and remains within Apple's privacy framework.