Apple Teams with Google to Power Siri with Gemini AI in 2026

Apple and Google announced a partnership on January 12, 2026, to bring Google's Gemini AI to Apple's Siri. The deal will make Siri smarter and more personal, with changes coming later this year. Apple picked Gemini after testing several options, and the tech will run on Apple's own systems to protect user privacy.

Background

Apple has worked to improve Siri for years, but it has fallen behind tools like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Users often find Siri less helpful for tough questions or daily tasks. Apple started its Apple Intelligence push last year to catch up, adding AI to iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Talks between Apple and Google picked up late last year. Reports suggested a big money deal, around $1 billion, to use a special version of Gemini built just for Apple. This model has 1.2 trillion parameters, much larger than Apple's current AI setups. The companies kept quiet until this week, when they shared a joint statement with news outlets.

The move comes as AI race heats up. OpenAI's ChatGPT works on iPhones, but only as an extra option for hard tasks. Microsoft and Amazon push their own AI hard. Apple wants to stay ahead without building everything from scratch.

"After careful evaluation, we determined that Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we’re excited about the new new experiences it will unlock for our users." – Apple statement to CNBC

Google sees this as a win too. Its parent company, Alphabet, saw its value top $4 trillion briefly on January 12, as investors liked the news.

Key Details

The partnership is multi-year. Gemini will form the base for Apple's Foundation Models, which power Siri and other Apple Intelligence tools. Some parts of Siri, like summarizing info or planning, will use Gemini. Apple's own models handle simpler jobs.

Timeline and Rollout

New Siri features start later in 2026. Full details may come at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June or Google's I/O event. Early tests show Gemini running on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, not Google's servers. This keeps data private—no queries go to Google.

New Siri Powers

Siri will get better at understanding context. It could suggest things based on your habits, like editing photos by voice or giving live sports scores. Gemini helps with tough questions, pulling real-time info without leaving Apple apps. Users pick Siri for everyday use, with ChatGPT still there for extras.

The deal is not locked to one model. Apple can mix in others if needed. Google builds custom Gemini for Apple, making it fit iOS perfectly.

Elon Musk commented on X, calling the team-up a sign of big tech joining forces. Other experts say it proves Apple needs outside help to match AI leaders.

What This Means

For iPhone users, Siri becomes a real helper. No more basic answers—it will plan trips, sum up emails, or control apps smarter. Privacy stays strong, as all work happens on Apple gear. This could bring millions more to Apple Intelligence.

Google gains big. More eyes on Gemini means better data for training, without taking user info. It pays off past search deals with Apple, now shifting to AI.

OpenAI takes a hit. ChatGPT stays optional, not core. This pushes them to find new phone partners. Amazon and Microsoft may speed up their AI plans to compete.

Markets reacted fast. Alphabet shares jumped on the news. Apple stock held steady, as investors wait for real features. Smaller AI firms worry about giants teaming up.

The shift shows Apple changing course. It built most tech in-house for years. Now, it teams with rivals for speed. More deals like this could come as AI grows.

Users get choices. Siri leads with Gemini, but opt-ins for ChatGPT or others stay. This mix aims to give the best answers without one company owning all.

Developers watch close. New APIs could let apps use Gemini smarts through Siri. This opens doors for better tools in photos, notes, and more.

Long term, it sets Siri up for the future. As AI gets stronger, Apple plans to blend models for top results. The 2026 update is just the start.