Apple has officially entered a multi-year partnership with Google, signaling a major shift in its artificial intelligence strategy. According to a joint statement, the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be powered by Google’s Gemini technology and cloud infrastructure. This collaboration is set to drive the much-anticipated overhaul of Siri, which is now expected to launch later this year.
In a rare admission, Apple stated that after extensive evaluation, it determined Google’s AI tools provide a more capable foundation than its own internal developments. This move follows a series of delays for Apple Intelligence, which was first announced at WWDC 2024. While competitors like Amazon and Google have already deployed advanced assistants such as Alexa+ and Gemini for Home, Apple had previously pushed its timeline for a new Siri into spring 2026. This new deal appears to be an effort to accelerate that schedule and stay competitive.
Despite the reliance on Google’s models, Apple emphasized that its commitment to privacy remains unchanged. AI features will continue to run on-device and through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system to protect user data. For iPhone users, this partnership promises a significantly more personalized and intelligent Siri, moving beyond the limitations of the current version. However, questions remain regarding how this deal will impact Apple’s existing integration with ChatGPT. For now, the focus is on a late 2026 release for a voice assistant that can finally compete with the current leaders in the generative AI space.
