Apple will use Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models to power a revamped version of its Siri voice assistant later this year, under a multi-year agreement that deepens ties between the two technology companies and strengthens Alphabet’s position in the global AI race.
The deal, announced on Monday, gives Google access to Apple’s installed base of more than two billion active devices, marking a significant endorsement of its AI technology. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Google said Apple selected Gemini after an internal evaluation found the models offered the most capable foundation for Apple’s next-generation AI features. In addition to Siri, the models will also support future Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Alphabet had been competing with OpenAI for the deal. Apple previously integrated ChatGPT into its devices in late 2024, allowing Siri to draw on the chatbot for complex queries. Apple said there were no major changes to that integration, while OpenAI declined to comment.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticised the agreement, warning it could concentrate excessive power in Google, which already controls Android and the Chrome browser. Musk founded AI startup xAI, which is developing competing foundation models.
Analysts said the partnership shifts OpenAI into a more supporting role within Apple’s ecosystem. Parth Talsania, CEO of Equisights Research, said ChatGPT would likely remain an opt-in tool rather than the default intelligence layer.
The agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between Apple and Google, including a deal that makes Google the default search engine on Apple devices. Alphabet said Apple Intelligence would continue to run on Apple devices and its Private Cloud Compute system, maintaining the company’s privacy standards.
