Apple is reportedly close to finalizing a $1 billion-per-year partnership with Google to integrate a custom version of Google’s Gemini AI model into its upcoming overhaul of Siri, according to a new report from Bloomberg.
The agreement would mark one of Apple’s most significant collaborations with a rival tech giant, reflecting its urgency to enhance Siri’s capabilities as part of a broader AI strategy. The deal underscores Apple’s willingness to license external AI technology — at least temporarily — while it continues developing its in-house Apple Intelligence platform.
A Major Boost in AI Power
The custom Gemini model being developed for Apple reportedly features 1.2 trillion parameters, vastly surpassing Apple’s current 150 billion-parameter cloud-based model. This would make Google’s system about eight times more complex and capable, allowing Siri to handle far more nuanced and context-aware interactions.
This new version of Siri is expected to be faster, smarter, and more conversational, capable of better understanding multi-step instructions and personal context — a key focus for Apple as it works to bring “Apple Intelligence” features across its ecosystem.
Temporary Partnership Before Apple’s Own AI Matures
Sources suggest Apple sees this collaboration as a bridge strategy, using Google’s Gemini AI while its own large-scale models continue development. The partnership would ensure that Apple can deliver competitive generative AI features to users without waiting years for its proprietary models to reach comparable power.
Apple reportedly tested models from OpenAI and Anthropic earlier this year before choosing Google. The decision was based on performance benchmarks and Gemini’s ability to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s privacy and security standards.
Launch Timeline and Possible Changes
The overhauled Siri is currently expected to debut next spring, likely alongside a new wave of AI-driven features integrated into iOS and macOS. However, Bloomberg notes that plans could still evolve as development and negotiations continue.
If finalized, this deal would not only deepen Apple’s reliance on Google’s AI technology but could also reshape the competitive dynamics of the AI landscape — positioning the two long-time rivals as unlikely collaborators in the race to define the future of intelligent assistants.