Apple and Google Confirm Multi-Year Gemini Deal to Power Siri

Overview

Apple and Google confirmed a multi-year partnership to use Google's Gemini models as the underpinning for Apple's next wave of foundation models. The pair said those models will be used inside Apple Intelligence to power new features, including a substantially upgraded Siri expected later this year. Apple added that Apple Intelligence will keep running on users' devices and in the company's Private Cloud Compute to uphold its privacy protections.

Official statement

After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users.

Neither side disclosed the financial terms of the arrangement. Several outlets, citing Bloomberg reporting, have suggested the fee could be about $1 billion per year.

Deployment and data access

Some reports said Apple intends to run a custom Gemini build on its Private Cloud Compute so the heavy model work remains under Apple’s control; other outlets cautioned it is still unclear whether Google will have any access to Apple customers' data.

Third‑party tests and existing ties

Reporting said Apple trialled models from OpenAI and Anthropic before selecting Gemini. Apple already routes some complex Siri queries to OpenAI's ChatGPT, and CNBC reported Apple told the outlet it was not changing that existing ChatGPT integration.

Market reaction

Traders and commentators flagged a market reaction: The Guardian reported Alphabet reached about a $4tn valuation, and Mashable noted the company's shares rose roughly one percent after the announcement.

Analysts and regulators

Analysts offered contrasting readings. IDC's Francisco Jeronimo told the BBC that outsourcing the foundational layer to Google suggested Apple's internal efforts could not match Gemini's capability and scale. He added the move was "likely to be a red flag" for regulators.

Paolo Pescatore, also quoted by the BBC, said AI has not yet been the main factor driving iPhone purchases but argued that "this will gradually change as AI-powered services gain adoption." The BBC also recorded that the UK's CMA has described Apple and Google as holding an "effective duopoly" and has given them "strategic market status."

Reporters placed the agreement against ongoing US antitrust litigation: TechCrunch said Judge Amit Mehta issued remedies in December 2025 that limit Google's ability to enter certain exclusive, long-term default deals, while Axios reported a source saying the Apple–Google deal does not fall under the judge's Search and Gemini distribution restrictions and is not exclusive.

Industry and rival responses

Some coverage framed the decision as a setback for competitors: Ars Technica called the announcement "a blow to OpenAI" and said OpenAI's CEO declared a "code red." Mashable highlighted benchmark reporting that suggested Gemini had overtaken ChatGPT in various tests, and Lifehacker summed up the practical implication as Siri moving to Gemini for its upgrade this year.

Timing and next steps

Apple first showed a generative-AI Siri at WWDC 2024 and later delayed a broader rollout; outlets now say an upgraded assistant should arrive this year, with some reports suggesting spring as a possible delivery window.

Conflicting details

On substantive points reporting differs: Apple has not published deal terms, while Bloomberg reporting cited in several outlets places the cost near $1 billion a year.

State of play

Apple and Google have confirmed a multi-year collaboration that ties Google’s Gemini to Apple’s next-generation foundation models and says Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and in Private Cloud Compute. Bloomberg reporting suggests an annual fee near $1 billion, but Apple has not confirmed that amount. It remains unclear what access Google will have to user data or how the arrangement will affect Apple’s existing OpenAI ties; Apple is expected to roll the upgraded Siri into OS releases later this year and regulators will continue to watch.