Apple will use Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) models for its revamped Siri voice assistant later this year, in a multi-year deal that strengthens the tech giants’ partnership and boosts Alphabet’s position in the race against OpenAI.

The deal, announced on Monday (12 January), marks a significant vote of confidence for Google. Its technology already powers Samsung’s “Galaxy AI,” but the Siri agreement opens up access to Apple’s installed base of more than two billion active devices.

Google said its models will support not only Siri but also other future Apple Intelligence features.

While Apple has previously integrated OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its devices, Parth Talsania, CEO of Equisights Research, noted that ChatGPT will now play a more supporting role, handling complex, opt-in queries, while Google’s Gemini models become the default intelligence layer for Siri.

Apple initially rolled out ChatGPT in late 2024, but the upgrade to Siri had been delayed, and the company’s generative AI tools received only a lukewarm reception.

The agreement builds on the long-standing partnership that makes Google the default search engine on Apple devices – a deal that drives traffic for Google while generating tens of billions in annual revenue for Apple.

Google emphasised on Monday that Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple’s industry-leading privacy standards.

Copied