Usman Salis
● Apple is paying Google to develop a custom Gemini-based AI model that will run on Apple's Private Cloud Compute infrastructure. This partnership aims to power a completely redesigned Siri with advanced generative AI features and built-in AI web search, rolling out around March next year.
● The deal would integrate Google's Gemini into Apple's privacy-focused cloud environment, letting Siri handle complex queries while keeping data protection intact. But some analysts warn this could create strategic risks. Apple has always prided itself on independence from competitors in core tech, and leaning on Google might blur those boundaries. There's also the question of dependency on an outside AI provider and potential regulatory concerns about data sharing between two tech giants.
● Financial details haven't been disclosed, but the partnership could save Apple billions in AI development costs. Instead of rushing out its own large-scale model, Apple might use a split approach—running smaller models on-device while licensing Gemini for heavier cloud tasks. This would let Apple jump into the generative AI race faster without compromising privacy.
● The move reflects a broader shift in the AI landscape. As Google's Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Microsoft's Copilot battle for dominance, Apple's entry with a hybrid Gemini-Siri system could shake things up in 2026. If it works, this upgrade would be Apple's biggest voice AI leap since Siri's debut, potentially breathing new life into its ecosystem amid fierce AI competition.
Usman Salis
