Apple Taps Google AI in New Deal to Upgrade Siri and Core Intelligence Features
Apple and Google, two of the world’s largest tech rivals, have announced a rare multi-year collaboration that will integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models and cloud technology into Apple’s next-generation AI features. This includes a major overhaul of Siri and enhancements across Apple Intelligence. This announcement essentially confirms the long-standing rumour that has been circulating for some time.
In a joint statement, both companies said Apple chose Google’s AI after careful evaluation, citing Gemini as the “most capable foundation” for its future Apple Foundation Models. These foundational models will underpin features across Apple devices when they roll out later in 2026.
The deal comes as Apple works to strengthen its AI offerings after years of big promises, especially around Siri, which has lagged behind competitors in capability and nuance. Under the agreement, Apple will use Google’s Gemini technology to power a more advanced version of Siri and support broader Apple Intelligence tools, while continuing to run AI tasks on its own devices and private cloud infrastructure to protect user privacy.
Industry watchers are calling the pact a significant moment in the tech world, not just because it pairs two long-time competitors, but because it signals Apple’s willingness to lean on external AI expertise to accelerate innovation. Apple previously integrated ChatGPT features into Siri, but this new deal marks a deeper commitment to using third-party models to shape core AI experiences on iPhone, iPad, and other Apple platforms.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but reports suggest Apple may pay Google substantial sums annually for access to and customisation of the Gemini models. The first wave of Gemini-powered Apple Intelligence and Siri features is expected later this year as part of Apple’s 2026 software releases.
