In a surprising turn of events, Apple and Google have announced a multi-year partnership that will see Google's Gemini AI models power the next generation of Apple's Foundation Models, including a significantly upgraded Siri. The collaboration aims to enhance user experience and introduce more intelligent features across Apple devices.
The deal, revealed on Monday, January 12, 2026, marks a significant shift in the AI landscape and a tacit acknowledgment from Apple that it needed external help to close its AI gap. After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's AI technology offered the most capable foundation for its AI initiatives. The partnership extends Gemini's reach to Apple's vast ecosystem of over 2 billion active devices, where Siri alone handles approximately 1.5 billion user requests daily.
Under the agreement, Google's Gemini models and cloud technology will underpin future Apple Intelligence features. This includes the long-awaited upgrade to Siri, expected to launch later in 2026. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, reports suggest Apple might be paying Google around $1 billion annually for access to its AI technology. This collaboration deepens the existing relationship between the two tech giants, as Google already pays Apple an estimated $20 billion annually to remain the default search engine on Apple devices.
Despite the deeper integration with Google, Apple has emphasized that its commitment to user privacy remains intact. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, maintaining the company's "industry-leading privacy standards". Apple clarified that while Gemini will power its Apple Foundation Models, it will not directly power Siri, but rather the layers built on top of Gemini.
This move comes after Apple faced repeated delays in its AI roadmap. The company had initially planned to launch its AI-powered Siri upgrade in 2025 but later pushed the release to 2026. The partnership with Google ensures that Apple doesn't fall further behind competitors like Google and Samsung, who are rapidly integrating AI into their devices.
Interestingly, Apple confirmed that its existing partnership with OpenAI will continue. Google's Gemini will provide foundational AI infrastructure, while OpenAI's ChatGPT will remain integrated for handling complex queries requiring broader knowledge. This multi-partner approach highlights the evolving nature of business partnerships in the age of AI. The collaboration signifies Google's dominance in the AI field. According to a joint statement, Apple is excited about the innovative experiences this unlocks for Apple users.
