Apple and Google Forge Gemini AI Deal for Revamped Siri

Apple will use Google's Gemini models for its updated Siri voice assistant, which is expected later this year. This multi-year agreement strengthens the technology companies’ alliance within the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, bolstering Alphabet's standing against OpenAI.

Credit: GOOGLE

The deal marks a significant endorsement for Google, whose technology already powers much of Samsung’s Galaxy AI. The Siri agreement grants access to a large market with Apple’s installed base of over two billion active devices.

"After careful evaluation, Apple determined Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models," Google stated. The company added that its models would also power other future Apple Intelligence features.

Alphabet has been competing with OpenAI for this Apple deal, though the financial terms were not disclosed. Previously, Apple integrated ChatGPT into its devices, allowing Siri to utilise the chatbot’s expertise for complex questions.

Apple had confirmed no major changes to the ChatGPT integration at that time. Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk expressed concerns about the partnership, stating, "This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that (they) also have Android and Chrome."

Musk established his own AI firm, xAI, which aims to compete with other major industry players by developing foundational models and investing billions in infrastructure. The recent tie-up will likely prompt questions regarding OpenAI’s partnership with Apple.

OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman reportedly issued a "code red" to accelerate development late last year, in response to Google’s Gemini 3. Parth Talsania, chief executive officer of Equisights Research, commented on the shift.

Credit: APPLE

Talsania said, "Apple's decision to use Google's Gemini models for Siri shifts OpenAI into a more supporting role, with ChatGPT remaining positioned for complex, opt-in queries rather than the default intelligence layer."

Google has been aggressively countering OpenAI’s early lead in the industry. The company has focused heavily on frontier models, as well as image and video generation technologies.

Apple has experienced various setbacks in AI development, having joined the race late. Siri’s upgrade faced delays, top-level executive changes occurred, and the initial rollout of its generative AI tools received a lukewarm reception.

This latest agreement builds upon a long-standing partnership that designates Google as the default search engine on Apple devices. This lucrative arrangement drives traffic for Google while generating tens of billions in annual revenue for Apple.

News of the deal contributed to Alphabet's market valuation exceeding USD 4 trillion. The company’s stock increased by 65% last year, driven by growing investor optimism about its AI initiatives.

"Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards," Google affirmed. This statement aimed to alleviate potential privacy concerns.

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• Apple will integrate Google's Gemini AI models into its revamped Siri and other Apple Intelligence features.

• The multi-year agreement solidifies Google's position in the AI market, especially with Apple's over two billion active devices.

• The deal’s financial details remain undisclosed, but it follows Apple’s previous integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Source: REUTERS