Apple Reportedly Using Custom Google Gemini Model to Power New Siri & Apple Intelligence
Amid delays and internal struggles with its own AI models, Apple is now preparing to rely on a customised version of Google’s Gemini to power the next generation of Siri features launching next spring.
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Apple Turned to Google After Delays in Siri’s AI Upgrade
Apple has reportedly been facing internal challenges in its plan to rollout advanced AI-powered features inside Siri. According to Bloomberg, the company considered using AI models from OpenAI or Anthropic before ultimately choosing Google as its primary partner.
This move appears to be separate from Apple's existing plan to provide Gemini chatbot access inside Siri — similar to how Siri can already invoke ChatGPT for certain tasks.
Deal Includes Custom Gemini Model Built for Apple Intelligence
Bloomberg reports that Apple will use a customised version of Google’s Gemini model to power key features in Siri and Apple Intelligence. This specialised model will be tailored to Apple’s privacy, device integration, and performance requirements.
In return, Apple is expected to pay Google nearly $1 billion annually to license this Gemini-powered AI infrastructure.
The partnership aims to deliver more reliable voice responses, improved reasoning, and deeper understanding of context across Apple’s ecosystem.
New Siri Expected to Launch Next Spring
During Apple’s latest investor call, CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the re-engineered Siri experience will begin rolling out next spring. These updates will introduce more natural conversation abilities, richer context awareness, and improved on-device intelligence.
Cook also stated that Apple is open to incorporating more third-party AI models into Apple Intelligence over time, giving users access to the best tools available.
Apple Still Developing Its Own AI Models Behind the Scenes
Even though Apple is moving ahead with a Google partnership, Bloomberg notes that Apple continues to work aggressively on its own long-term AI models. The company aims to eventually reduce reliance on external providers like Google or OpenAI.
This internal development strategy mirrors Apple’s long-term playbook — similar to its transitions from Intel to Apple Silicon and from outsourced chips to in-house designs.
Why Apple Chose Google Over OpenAI & Anthropic
Reports suggest that Apple evaluated multiple AI vendors. Google’s Gemini models offered:
- stronger multimodal capabilities
- better cross-platform integration
- a scalable cloud architecture
- support for Apple’s privacy-centric requirements
Combined with Google’s long history of AI research and infrastructure, Gemini emerged as the most suitable foundation for Apple’s next-generation Siri experience.
What This Means for Apple Users
For everyday users, the partnership could mean:
- smarter Siri responses
- faster and more accurate voice understanding
- AI-powered suggestions across apps
- better task automation and reasoning
- improved Apple Intelligence performance
Apple’s long-term goal remains the same — offer powerful AI features that maintain the company’s strict approach to privacy and on-device processing.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s decision to work with Google’s Gemini marks one of the most significant AI partnerships in recent years. With Siri’s biggest upgrade in over a decade scheduled for next spring, the collaboration could accelerate Apple’s entry into the AI assistant race while giving users a more capable and intelligent experience.
At the same time, Apple is clearly preparing for a future where its own AI models eventually take the lead — reducing reliance on external vendors while strengthening Apple Intelligence at its core.