Apple is striking a major AI deal with Google that could redefine its voice assistant strategy for the future.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- Apple will reportedly pay Google $1 billion annually to use a custom version of Gemini AI for Siri.
- The new Siri, powered by a 1.2 trillion parameter model, will debut in iOS 26.4, expected by spring 2026.
- Apple considered OpenAI and Anthropic before choosing Google’s Gemini after rigorous testing.
- The deal is temporary, as Apple plans to replace Gemini with its own AI model in the near future.
What Happened?
Apple is finalizing a deal to use Google’s powerful Gemini AI to power its next-generation Siri assistant. The move marks a significant shift in Apple’s AI strategy, as it leans on a competitor’s technology to stay competitive in the booming AI race. Siri’s revamped version is expected to arrive with iOS 26.4 in spring 2026.
Apple Paying Google $1B/Year to Power Siri with Gemini AI
— Perplexity Finance (@PPLXfinance) November 5, 2025
Apple finalizing deal to use Google’s 1.2T parameter Gemini model for Siri overhaul. Launch spring 2026.
Key points:
– Apple tested ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini before selecting Google
– 8x larger than current 150B… pic.twitter.com/6qZE3KrHKD
Apple Turns to Google to Rebuild Siri
Apple will license Google’s 1.2 trillion-parameter Gemini model, a system far more advanced than the 150 billion-parameter AI currently powering Apple’s cloud-based features. According to Bloomberg and sources familiar with the matter, this partnership is part of a multi-year AI strategy shift by Apple, using Gemini as a stopgap solution while it builds its own advanced model.
- Apple tested models from OpenAI (ChatGPT) and Anthropic (Claude) before selecting Gemini.
- Internally, the Siri revamp is called “Linwood”, and the partnership project is known as “Glenwood”.
- The Gemini-powered Siri will handle summariser and planner functions to execute more advanced tasks.
- Some Siri functions will still run on Apple’s in-house models.
The AI model will operate on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, reinforcing the company’s strong privacy stance by preventing Google from accessing user data. Apple has already deployed server infrastructure to support this rollout.
Why This Deal Matters?
The $1 billion annual deal reflects Apple’s urgency to close the gap in AI. Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity have raced ahead in conversational AI, leaving Siri outdated and underwhelming in comparison. This partnership is meant to instantly raise Siri’s intelligence and capabilities, especially for complex commands and multi-step tasks.
For Google, the deal represents a massive financial win and an endorsement of its Gemini platform. Other companies like Snap have already started adopting Gemini through Google’s Vertex AI platform, but this is one of the highest-profile integrations yet.
Apple’s Long-Term AI Strategy
Apple does not plan to rely on Google forever. The company is developing its own 1 trillion-parameter cloud model, which insiders believe could be ready by 2026. That model is expected to replace Gemini once it meets Apple’s internal performance benchmarks.
However, catching up will be difficult. Google continues to improve Gemini, with its Gemini 2.5 Pro version currently topping many AI model benchmarks.
In markets like China, where Google services are restricted, Apple will instead use in-house models and a localized content filter developed with Alibaba. The company is also exploring AI collaborations with Baidu to serve Chinese users.
Daily Research News Takeaway
Let me be blunt. Apple is late to the AI game. Siri has been trailing behind competitors for years. So while it might seem odd for Apple to lean on Google, this is a smart and necessary move to play catch-up. Gemini brings serious firepower, and Apple gets to keep its privacy promises while buying time to develop its own AI. I think this deal signals that Apple is finally getting serious about AI, and if it plays its cards right, Siri might actually become useful again.
