TLDR
- Apple is finalizing a $1 billion per year agreement with Google to use a 1.2 trillion parameter AI model for Siri’s complete redesign.
- The Google Gemini model will operate on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, maintaining user privacy while powering Siri’s core functions.
- Apple selected Google after testing OpenAI and Anthropic models, viewing this as a bridge solution until its own AI is ready.
- The revamped Siri launches spring 2026 with iOS 26.4, led by Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell and software chief Craig Federighi.
- Stock prices rose on the news, with Apple up less than 1% to $271.70 and Alphabet climbing as much as 3.2% to $286.42.
Apple has reached an agreement to pay Google roughly $1 billion each year for advanced artificial intelligence technology. The deal provides Apple with the AI muscle needed to completely rebuild its struggling Siri voice assistant.
After months of testing various options, Apple selected Google’s 1.2 trillion parameter Gemini model. The technology represents a massive upgrade from Apple’s current 150 billion parameter system.
Apple’s evaluation process included models from major AI companies. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, and Google’s Gemini all underwent testing before Apple made its final choice.
Google’s model will power two essential Siri components. The technology will handle the summarizer function and the planner that executes multi-step tasks.
User data protection remains central to the partnership structure. Apple will run the Gemini model on its own Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, preventing Google from accessing user information.
Spring 2026 Launch Timeline
The new Siri is set to debut next spring with iOS 26.4. Apple has assigned the internal code name Linwood to the updated assistant.
Mike Rockwell, who created the Vision Pro headset, leads the project. He works alongside software engineering chief Craig Federighi on the overhaul.
The leadership change came after CEO Tim Cook grew frustrated with previous AI execution. Former AI head John Giannandrea lost authority over product development earlier this year.
Apple plans to keep Google’s role hidden from consumers. The arrangement will function as a behind-the-scenes technology supply deal rather than a promoted partnership.
This agreement stands separate from previous chatbot integration attempts. Apple and Google held discussions about directly embedding Gemini into Siri during 2024 and early 2025, but those talks failed.
Building In-House AI Capabilities
Apple views the Google partnership as a temporary fix. The company continues developing its own 1 trillion parameter cloud-based model for potential 2026 deployment.
Apple leadership believes it can achieve quality comparable to Google’s offering. The challenge comes as Google continues enhancing Gemini, with version 2.5 Pro currently dominating AI model performance rankings.
The company has experienced AI talent loss recently. Despite losing its models team leader and other key personnel, Apple remains focused on proprietary development.
Siri has underperformed against rivals for years. Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant have consistently handled complex commands and third-party integrations better than Apple’s assistant.
Google upgraded its assistant with Gemini last year. Amazon launched an AI-powered Alexa redesign earlier in 2025.
Wall Street Reaction and Implementation
Both companies saw stock gains following the announcement Wednesday. Apple shares increased less than 1% to $271.70 as Alphabet stock jumped up to 3.2% to $286.42.
The partnership doesn’t include Google search integration. Apple’s operating systems won’t incorporate Google AI search technology under this arrangement.
Some Siri capabilities will continue using Apple’s native models. CEO Tim Cook mentioned on a recent earnings call that Siri might support additional chatbot options beyond existing ChatGPT integration.
Apple disclosed in March that Siri AI enhancements would be postponed until 2026. The company didn’t provide specific reasons for the delay at that time.
China presents unique obstacles for Apple’s AI expansion. Google’s absence from China means the localized Siri won’t use Gemini technology.
Apple will deploy in-house models and an Alibaba content filter for Chinese users. The company is also considering a Baidu partnership for AI services in China.
Apple has already dedicated server resources to support the Google model. The company continues working to bring Apple Intelligence and enhanced Siri to international markets.
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