Apple has signed a multi-year agreement with Google that will use Google’s Gemini AI models and cloud technology to support future Apple Foundation Models and power upcoming Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri expected this year.
Both companies said Apple selected Google after evaluating options, describing Google’s technology as the “most capable foundation” for Apple Foundation Models and saying the partnership is meant to unlock new experiences for Apple users.
What the Apple-Google AI partnership does
Under the collaboration, Apple plans to rely on Google’s Gemini models and Google’s cloud infrastructure as a base for the next generation of Apple Foundation Models, which in turn will support future Apple Intelligence features.
Search Engine Land reported that the partnership is multi-year and is expected to roll out later this year, tying the deal directly to a long-awaited Siri upgrade.
TechCrunch also reported that the arrangement is not exclusive, citing a source familiar with the matter, meaning Apple can work with other AI providers as well.
Siri upgrade and Apple Intelligence rollout
A central focus of the deal is Siri, which has faced criticism for lagging behind newer AI assistants.
TechCrunch said an Apple spokesperson told the outlet that an upgrade is coming this year, after Apple delayed the rollout of a “more personalized Siri” multiple times.
Search Engine Land described Gemini-powered Siri as moving toward an “AI answer engine,” which could affect how many iOS users ask questions and find information on their devices.
Privacy, on-device processing, and Private Cloud Compute
Apple has positioned its AI approach around privacy, with TechCrunch reporting that much of the processing for Apple Intelligence happens on-device or through tightly controlled infrastructure.
Search Engine Land published a statement attributed to Google saying Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute while maintaining Apple’s privacy standards.
TechCrunch reported Apple said it will maintain its privacy standards throughout the Google partnership.
Why Apple picked Google now
TechCrunch reported Apple spent time testing AI technology from competitors such as OpenAI and Anthropic before choosing Google.
Neither Apple nor Google confirmed financial terms, but TechCrunch said prior reporting suggested Apple could be paying Google about $1 billion for access to the AI technology.
Search Engine Land also framed the move as part of Apple’s shift into the post-ChatGPT AI race, noting that Apple largely stayed out of the surge that followed ChatGPT’s late-2022 launch while rivals invested heavily in models, chips, and cloud infrastructure.
Antitrust pressure in the backdrop
The new AI partnership comes while Google is dealing with multiple antitrust cases, and TechCrunch noted that Google’s relationship with Apple has been a major focus in that scrutiny.
TechCrunch reported that in August 2024, a federal judge ruled Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search by paying companies such as Apple to secure default search placement on devices and browsers.
TechCrunch also reported that between 2021 and 2022, Google paid Apple about $38 billion to secure default search placements, and said Judge Amit Mehta’s December 2025 remedies included limits on exclusive default agreements, including a restriction tied to agreements lasting no more than one year after they are entered.
