Introduction to Apple’s Plan
Apple is planning to use a custom version of Google’s Gemini model to support a major upgrade to Siri, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The company may pay Google about $1 billion each year for access to technology that can create summaries and handle planning tasks. This move is part of Apple’s effort to improve Siri’s capabilities and catch up with other AI-powered virtual assistants.
The Gemini Model
The Gemini model uses 1.2 trillion parameters, far more than the 150 billion parameters behind the current cloud-based version of Apple Intelligence. Apple will run the custom model on its Private Cloud Compute servers, while still relying on its own systems for some parts of Siri. This partnership is expected to play a central role in a major update to Siri, a project the company has been working toward for years.
Apple’s Agreement with Google
After months of testing, Apple and Google are close to a deal that would give Apple access to the technology. The people discussing the plans asked not to be named because the talks are private. Apple is turning to Google to help rebuild Siri’s core technology, laying the groundwork for a broad refresh of features planned for next year. The size of Google’s model would far exceed the AI systems Apple uses today.
Testing and Development
Apple tested other outside options — including Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Anthropic’s Claude — before deciding to move forward with Google earlier this year. The goal is to rely on Gemini as a temporary solution until Apple’s own work reaches the same level. The updated Siri is planned for release next spring, and because months remain before launch, parts of the plan could still change.
Technical Details
The custom Gemini model would be a major jump from the 150 billion parameter system Apple currently uses in the cloud for Apple Intelligence. The move is meant to increase Siri’s ability to process complex tasks and understand context at a deeper level. The work is known internally as Glenwood and is led by Vision Pro headset creator Mike Rockwell and software chief Craig Federighi. The refreshed voice assistant, set to appear in iOS 26.4, is code-named Linwood.
Partnership and Data Privacy
Under the deal, Google’s model will support Siri’s summarizer and planner features — the parts that help the assistant understand information and decide on action steps. Apple’s own models will still handle some tools and responses. The model will run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, keeping user data isolated from Google’s systems. Apple already set aside server hardware for the effort to support Siri’s new features.
Impact and Future Plans
Although the partnership is large, Apple is not expected to promote it to consumers. Google will act as a quiet technology provider, unlike the visible search agreement inside Safari. Siri’s improvements will likely appear without Google branding. This deal is separate from earlier talks about placing Gemini directly inside Siri as a chatbot. Those conversations nearly turned into a product in both 2024 and again earlier this year, but never moved forward.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to use Google’s Gemini model is a significant step towards improving Siri’s capabilities. The partnership will allow Apple to catch up with other AI-powered virtual assistants and provide a better experience for its users. However, Apple’s long-term goal is to develop its own AI technology and replace Google’s system inside Siri. The company is working on its own cloud-based model with up to 1 trillion parameters, which could be ready for consumer use as early as next year.
FAQs
- Q: How much will Apple pay Google for access to the Gemini model?
A: Apple may pay Google about $1 billion each year for access to the technology. - Q: What is the Gemini model used for?
A: The Gemini model is used to create summaries and handle planning tasks for Siri. - Q: Will Apple promote the partnership with Google to consumers?
A: No, Google will act as a quiet technology provider, and Siri’s improvements will likely appear without Google branding. - Q: What is Apple’s long-term goal for Siri?
A: Apple’s long-term goal is to develop its own AI technology and replace Google’s system inside Siri. - Q: When is the updated Siri expected to be released?
A: The updated Siri is planned for release next spring.
