Apple is preparing to integrate a custom version of Google’s Gemini AI model into Siri, marking a significant development in the longstanding rivalry and cooperation between two of the world’s largest tech companies. By leveraging Gemini’s 1.2 trillion parameters, Apple aims to refine Siri’s intelligence and performance for handling complex tasks, planning, and information summarization. The collaboration, internally code-named Glenwood and Linwood, brings together teams led by Mike Rockwell and Craig Federighi to deliver the most substantial Siri update in recent years. Apple’s decision arises from months of evaluation, including tests with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, but Gemini offered the scalability Apple sought as a provisional solution until its in-house models are ready. Users may notice improved responsiveness and contextual awareness in Siri starting next spring, though the partnership’s details will remain largely undisclosed to consumers. Some see Apple’s move as an acknowledgment of its efforts to more aggressively compete in the rapidly advancing AI space.
Reaction to Apple’s collaboration with Google is reminiscent of previous instances where Apple licensed core technology to close feature gaps—such as earlier Safari search partnerships. Unlike Apple’s earlier AI systems with lower parameter counts, the integration of Gemini represents a scale-up in ambition and technical capability. Analysts and competitors previously noted Apple’s slower progress in cloud-based AI, particularly as other platforms integrated models with hundreds of billions of parameters. Now, the focus on privacy with Private Cloud Compute and the non-branded use of Google’s technology for Siri stands in contrast to more public-facing features seen in the past with search engine agreements.
Why Did Apple Select Google’s Gemini Over Competitors?
Apple considered several AI vendors, including OpenAI and Anthropic, but ultimately pinpointed Google’s Gemini model for its breadth and parameter count. Gemini’s 1.2 trillion parameters significantly surpass the company’s current 150 billion-parameter system, enabling a deeper understanding of natural language and user intent. While Apple plans for this approach to be temporary, the agreement is expected to cost around $1 billion annually.
How Will User Data Be Managed with This Integration?
Apple is set to run the Gemini model on its own Private Cloud Compute servers, isolating user data from Google’s infrastructure. This architecture aligns with Apple’s stated focus on privacy, ensuring that personal information used to power new summarization and planning features remains within Apple’s control. As an Apple spokesperson explained,
“We’re dedicated to user privacy while delivering noticeable improvements to Siri’s intelligence and usability.”
What Does the Upgrade Mean for Siri’s Future Capabilities?
The enhanced Siri, set to debut in iOS 26.4, will rely on Gemini for several core features while Apple’s proprietary models will continue to power other components. The upgrade aims to deepen Siri’s ability to comprehend complex instructions and improve contextual awareness, which could set new expectations for digital assistants. Apple’s internal development of an AI model with up to 1 trillion parameters reflects its desire to eventually phase out reliance on external providers.
China’s regulatory landscape dictates a different approach for Apple Intelligence and Siri. Since Google services are banned in China, Apple has planned to deploy its own AI models, supplemented by content filtering provided by Alibaba. This method underscores Apple’s adaptive strategy for serving diverse global markets while addressing local data requirements.
The move underscores how major technology firms often balance in-house innovation with strategic partnerships to meet market demand. For users, the tangible result will be a smarter Siri capable of richer interactions, though the Google foundation powering those responses may remain unseen. As both companies continue to refine their AI offerings, this arrangement provides Apple room to strengthen its internal AI expertise while maintaining competitiveness in digital assistants. Industry observers may find it notable that even sector leaders seek external support when scaling rapidly—or catching up to fast-moving competitors. For developers and businesses evaluating voice AI solutions, this complex collaboration reinforces the value of robust models, privacy-centric deployments, and market-specific adaptations.
- Apple will use Google’s Gemini AI to upgrade Siri’s intelligence.
- The integration will enhance Siri’s planning and summarization features.
- Apple expects to roll out the improved Siri next spring.
