Apple Taps Google’s Gemini AI to Power Revamped Siri in Major Tech Alliance

Cupertino / Mountain View | Jan 12, 2026 | GEOKHUB Apple has struck a multi-year artificial intelligence partnership with Google, selecting Google’s Gemini models to power a major overhaul of its Siri voice assistant later this year, deepening ties between two long-time rivals and reshaping the competitive AI landscape

Under the agreement, Google’s Gemini models will serve as the foundation for Siri’s next generation, marking a significant endorsement of Alphabet’s AI technology and strengthening its position against OpenAI in the race to dominate consumer-facing AI.

The deal gives Google access to Apple’s vast ecosystem of more than two billion active devices, turning Siri into one of the most widely deployed AI interfaces globally.

Why the Deal Matters

Google said Apple chose Gemini after extensive evaluation, calling it the “most capable foundation” for Apple’s on-device and cloud-based AI systems. The models will also support additional Apple Intelligence features planned for future releases.

The agreement represents a strategic win for Alphabet, whose AI already underpins Samsung’s Galaxy AI platform. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Apple had previously integrated ChatGPT into its devices in late 2024, allowing Siri to hand off complex queries to OpenAI’s chatbot. That arrangement remains in place, though ChatGPT is now expected to play a more limited, opt-in role rather than serving as Siri’s primary intelligence layer.

Competitive and Industry Reaction

The partnership has drawn criticism from some corners of the tech world. Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned that the deal concentrates excessive power in Google’s hands, given its dominance in Android, Chrome and now Apple’s core AI assistant.

Industry analysts say the move repositions OpenAI as a secondary partner in Apple’s AI strategy, while signaling Apple’s intent to rely on proven large-scale AI infrastructure as it catches up after a slow start in the generative AI race.

Apple has faced delays, executive reshuffles and muted user response to its early AI tools, making the Gemini partnership a critical step in accelerating its roadmap.

Privacy and Long-Standing Ties

Both companies emphasized that Apple Intelligence will continue to run primarily on Apple devices and its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, preserving Apple’s privacy-first approach despite using Google’s AI models.

The deal also builds on a long-standing relationship that already makes Google the default search engine on Apple devices — a partnership that generates tens of billions of dollars annually.

Investor optimism followed the announcement, pushing Alphabet’s market value above $4 trillion, underscoring growing confidence in Google’s AI strategy.