Apple and Google Join Forces for Siri’s Next-Gen AI Upgrade
On January 12, 2026, Apple made a landmark announcement of a multi-year partnership with Google. This collaboration aims to integrate Google’s Gemini AI models into the next-generation Apple Foundation Models, thereby powering a major upgrade to Siri expected later this year. This move marks a significant strategic shift for Apple, a company known for its strict control over its AI infrastructure.
“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 stated.
Reports suggest that the partnership is valued at approximately $1 billion annually. Google will build a custom 1.2 trillion parameter Gemini model specifically for Apple, a feat that far exceeds Apple’s current in-house capabilities.
The AI-powered Siri, whose upgrade was delayed from 2025 to 2026, will leverage Google’s Gemini and cloud technology. However, Apple’s privacy standards will be maintained through on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute. The new Siri will feature a mix of technologies:
- Functions like summarizer and planner will utilize Google’s models
- Other core Siri capabilities will continue using Apple’s technology
This partnership strengthens Google’s existing multi-billion dollar deal with Apple to remain the default search engine on iPhones, further cementing the relationship between these two tech giants.
Source: CNBC