Apple has signed a multi-year agreement with Google to use Gemini as the base for Apple’s next-gen AI capabilities, including a more personalized Siri expected in 2026. The companies confirmed this partnership in a joint statement, indicating that Gemini models and Google cloud technology will support Apple Foundation Models for “future Apple Intelligence features,” including Siri.

This announcement comes after months of reports and marks a blow for OpenAI, whose ChatGPT integrations on iPhone continue to be opt-in for complex queries rather than the default option. Apple's selection of Gemini as its principal model provider is seen as a pragmatic step to speed up the delivery of long-anticipated Siri upgrades.

The market reacted quickly: Alphabet briefly reached a $4 trillion market valuation on January 12, 2026, with analysts pointing to the Apple partnership as a driver of investor confidence in Google’s AI strategy.

Why this is important

• Shift in platform power: After years of vertical integration, Apple is outsourcing key AI components—an unusual move indicating urgency to keep pace in consumer AI.

• Impact on users in 2026: Apple and Google both state that Gemini will aid in delivering a more personalized Siri this year, while Apple retains its on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute protections.

• Impact on ecosystem: The partnership intensifies competition with OpenAI and xAI; initial reactions from tech leaders have already criticized the alliance’s concentration of power.

What Apple and Google actually stated

In a joint statement, the companies confirmed that Gemini will “assist in powering future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri launching this year,” while Apple handles workloads on device and through Private Cloud Compute. Financial details were not shared.

Is it an exclusive deal?

Reports suggest the relationship is not exclusive—allowing Apple to integrate various models—though Gemini becomes the main foundation for Apple’s individual models. ChatGPT remains opt-in for particular tasks.

The timeline

A comprehensive overhaul of Siri has been delayed from previous targets; Apple and Google now aim for 2026 for the personal-context upgrade to Siri and other Apple Intelligence features.

The larger context

• Financial insight: Alphabet’s milestone highlights the importance of distribution advantages (iOS user base) which can be as impactful as model quality.

• Privacy focus: Apple emphasizes that its privacy framework remains intact, with processing done on-device or through Private Cloud Compute. Privacy is expected to be a central theme in EU/UK communications.

• Search implications: This agreement builds on the longstanding Google default search setting on iOS—likely drawing renewed regulatory scrutiny.

FAQ

Will Google access my Siri data?
Apple says no—Gemini-powered features run on device and under Private Cloud Compute with Apple’s privacy safeguards.

When will the updated Siri be available?
Apple and Google are looking at a 2026 release for the more personalized Siri.

Is ChatGPT removed from iPhone?
No. ChatGPT remains an opt-in choice for specific complex inquiries, but Gemini becomes the basis for the models that power Siri and Apple Intelligence.

Is the deal exclusive?
Sources suggest it is not exclusive, allowing Apple the flexibility to collaborate with multiple model providers.