Google’s Gemini to Power Apple’s AI Features Like Siri

It is now official: Apple has selected Google as a key partner to power its upcoming AI features, including Siri capabilities.

"After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," Apple and Google said in a joint statement.

The announcement confirms earlier reports that Apple was finalizing a deal with Google. While neither company has disclosed financial terms, prior reporting suggested Apple could pay Google roughly $1 billion for access to Google's AI technology. Before settling on Google, Apple evaluated alternatives from competitors such as OpenAI and Anthropic, according to previous reports.

Under the multi-year agreement, Apple will use Google's Gemini models and cloud infrastructure to support future Apple foundation models. A source familiar with the matter said the deal is not exclusive. The partnership marks a notable shift for Apple, which has historically emphasized vertical integration by tightly controlling both its hardware and software stack.

Apple has faced increasing scrutiny over its AI strategy, particularly criticism that Siri has fallen behind rival assistants. That said, the company has continued developing its own models behind the scenes. In 2024, Apple introduced the first versions of Apple Intelligence, adding AI-powered features to existing operating system functions, such as photo search and notification summaries.

Privacy has remained a central theme of Apple's AI rollout, with much of the processing handled on-device or through tightly controlled infrastructure. Apple said it plans to maintain those privacy standards as part of its partnership with Google.

So far, Apple's approach has produced a more understated form of AI—sometimes subtle or even invisible—that lacks the immediate impact of products like ChatGPT or Gemini. It has also stopped short of delivering the major Siri overhaul many users have been expecting.

Apple has delayed the launch of its "more personalized Siri" multiple times, though a company spokesperson said an upgrade is still planned for later this year. Previous reports indicate the revamped Siri is expected to arrive in the spring.

The partnership also comes at a sensitive time for Google, which is facing multiple antitrust lawsuits. One of those cases has put Google's long-standing relationship with Apple under intense scrutiny. In August 2024, a federal judge ruled that Google had illegally maintained a monopoly in online search by paying companies such as Apple to set Google as the default search engine on their devices and browsers. Between 2021 and 2022, Google paid Apple an estimated $38 billion for those default search placements.

In December 2025, Amit Mehta issued final remedies in the case, including a ban on Google entering into exclusive default agreements, such as its previous deal with Apple, unless such contracts terminate within one year of signing.

As Apple deepens its AI ambitions through Gemini, the partnership underscores both companies' strategic interests — and highlights the growing complexity of AI, competition, and regulation at the centre of the tech industry.