Apple Teams Up With Google: Gemini AI to Power Siri in Multi-Year AI Deal

Apple and Google confirm a long-term partnership that brings Gemini models into Siri and Apple Intelligence. The agreement means future iPhone, iPad and Mac features will lean on Google's AI systems. A Gemini-powered version of Siri is expected to appear with iOS 26.4, which is planned for release in spring 2026.

The announcement follows months of speculation about Apple's AI plans and how Siri might change. Both companies say Apple will integrate Gemini to create "a more personalized Siri" that is scheduled to arrive this year. Apple Intelligence tools, such as language and image features, will also draw on Google's technology under the deal.

Apple Bets on Google’s Gemini to Reinvent Siri and Apple Intelligence

Photo Credit: AI Generated

Apple & Google Partnership Details and Multi-year Deal

Apple describes the agreement as a multi-year arrangement that relies on Google's existing Gemini models. Under this structure, Apple plans to build its own experiences on top of Google's AI base. The partnership covers products across Apple's ecosystem, including mobile devices and Mac computers used widely in India and worldwide.

A joint statement on Google's Keyword blog explains Apple's reasoning for the tie-up. It states: "Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," outlining why Apple selected Gemini over rival systems. The statement does not disclose any financial terms or revenue-sharing details for the collaboration.

Why Apple Turned to Google After Siri's AI Stumbled

Reporting by Mark Gurman for Bloomberg in November revealed Apple's direction well before the official news. Gurman wrote that Apple had opted for Google to power a major Siri upgrade. The article said the agreement would cost Apple about $1 billion each year, although neither company has confirmed that figure publicly.

Apple first revealed work on a wide AI upgrade for Siri in the middle of 2024. According to Bloomberg, the project then ran into problems and was paused in March. Executives were reportedly dissatisfied after testing early builds and found that "features didn't work properly - or as advertised - in their personal testing."

Features and Foundation Models

The new partnership goes beyond voice controls and search responses from Siri. Google AI will now form the backbone of Apple's Foundation Models, which are core systems behind Apple Intelligence. These will support tools such as Live Translation in iMessage and Image Playground's image creation functions on supported Apple devices.

Apple already links some services with OpenAI's ChatGPT, including an option in Siri for certain questions. Siri can pass those more complex or creative prompts to OpenAI's chatbot when enabled. The companies have not yet clarified how the Gemini deal affects that arrangement, or whether ChatGPT access inside Apple products will change.