EuroWire, SAN FRANCISCO: Apple has entered into a multi year agreement with Google to integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models into Siri, marking one of the most significant partnerships between the two technology companies in recent years and a major shift in how Apple powers its digital assistant.
The deal will see Google’s Gemini models used to support a range of Siri functions and other artificial intelligence features across Apple devices, according to people familiar with the agreement and public disclosures by the companies. The integration is expected to roll out beginning in 2026 as part of Apple’s broader artificial intelligence platform, which the company has branded as Apple Intelligence.
Under the arrangement, Gemini will handle certain complex queries and generative tasks that Siri currently cannot perform on its own. Apple will continue to rely on its own software and on device processing for many functions, while routing specific requests to Gemini models running on Google’s cloud infrastructure. The companies have not disclosed the financial terms of the agreement.
Apple has previously relied almost entirely on in house development for core software features, including Siri, which was introduced in 2011. In recent years, competitors have advanced rapidly in generative artificial intelligence, prompting Apple to explore partnerships to supplement its internal capabilities. The Gemini deal follows Apple’s earlier decision to allow limited integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT for optional user requests, although Google’s models are expected to play a broader role within Siri.
Google’s Gemini is the company’s flagship family of large language models and underpins a growing range of products, including its search tools, productivity software, and developer platforms. By embedding Gemini within Siri, Google extends the reach of its AI technology to hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Apple maintains privacy framework amid AI integration
Apple has emphasized that user privacy protections will remain central to Siri’s operation. The company has said that many requests will continue to be processed on device or through its Private Cloud Compute system, which is designed to limit data retention and restrict access to user information. Requests that require Gemini’s capabilities will be handled under contractual safeguards governing data use and security, according to Apple.
The agreement comes as regulators in the United States and Europe continue to scrutinize the relationship between Apple and Google, including long standing search distribution arrangements that have been the subject of antitrust investigations. The companies have said the Gemini partnership is focused on artificial intelligence functionality and does not alter existing search agreements.
For Google, the deal represents a high profile endorsement of its AI technology at a time when competition among major technology firms has intensified. Microsoft has partnered closely with OpenAI to integrate generative AI across its software and cloud services, while Amazon and Meta are investing heavily in their own models. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has made Gemini central to its strategy as it seeks to defend its position in search and expand its presence in enterprise and consumer AI services.
Apple has faced growing pressure to demonstrate progress in artificial intelligence after rivals introduced AI powered assistants capable of producing long form text, images, and code. Siri has historically been optimized for voice commands and system controls rather than open ended conversational tasks. The integration of Gemini is intended to expand Siri’s ability to answer complex questions, summarize information, and generate responses across a wider range of topics.
AI collaboration underscores industry interdependence
The companies have indicated that users will be informed when their requests are handled by external AI models and will retain control over whether such features are enabled. Apple plans to present the Gemini powered capabilities as part of a broader update to its software ecosystem rather than as a standalone product.
News of the partnership was welcomed by investors, with Alphabet shares rising following reports of the deal, reflecting confidence in Gemini’s commercial adoption. Apple shares showed more muted movement, consistent with the company’s market size and diversified revenue base.The Apple Google agreement underscores the growing interdependence among technology companies as artificial intelligence systems become more complex and resource intensive. While the companies remain competitors in areas such as mobile operating systems, digital services, and advertising, the Siri Gemini deal highlights how partnerships are reshaping the AI landscape across the global technology sector.