Prime Highlights:

• Apple is partnering with Google to use a custom version of the Gemini model to significantly upgrade Siri, improving its ability to handle complex tasks and provide context-aware responses.
• The refreshed Siri, set to launch next spring as part of iOS 26.4, will feature upgraded summarizer and planner tools for faster information processing and actionable suggestions.

Key Facts:

• Apple plans to spend about $1 billion annually on Google’s technology, which will run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers while maintaining certain functions on its own systems.
• In China, where Google services are restricted, Apple will rely on its own systems along with a content filter from Alibaba to meet local regulations.

Background:

Apple is preparing to give Siri a significant boost by leveraging a custom version of Google’s Gemini AI model, according to Bloomberg. The move signals a major investment in artificial intelligence, with Apple expected to spend around $1 billion annually for access to the technology.

The Gemini model, which features an impressive 1.2 trillion parameters, is far larger than Apple’s current cloud-based system for Apple Intelligence, which relies on 150 billion parameters. Apple will run the custom model on its Private Cloud Compute servers while still using its own systems for certain tasks. This upgrade is designed to help Siri handle more complex tasks and understand context better.

Internally known as “Glenwood,” the project is led by Mike Rockwell, the creator of the Vision Pro headset, and software chief Craig Federighi. The refreshed voice assistant, code-named “Linwood,” is expected to launch as part of iOS 26.4 next spring. Key upgrades will improve Siri’s summarizer and planner features, helping it process information faster and suggest useful actions.

Apple considered other options, including ChatGPT and Claude, before choosing Google earlier this year. Google will provide the technology quietly, without any public branding, and Siri’s search features will remain unchanged.

While Apple relies on Gemini temporarily, the company is also developing its own internal AI model, which could reach up to 1 trillion parameters and may be ready for consumer use next year. Apple executives believe their system can eventually match Google’s performance, although the company acknowledges the challenge posed by Gemini’s continuous improvements.

In China, where Google services are blocked, Apple will use its own systems along with a content filter from Alibaba to meet local rules.

The news gave a small boost to both companies’ stock prices, with Apple rising to $271.70 and Alphabet up 3.2% to $286.42.

The partnership shows Apple’s focus on improving Siri and delivering a better experience for users.

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