SAN FRANCISCO — January 13, 2026. Apple announced a landmark partnership with Google that will see its next‑generation Siri powered by Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models. The multi‑year deal, confirmed by both companies, represents a significant vote of confidence in Google’s AI technology and positions Alphabet strongly in its ongoing rivalry with OpenAI.

Apple confirmed that Gemini will serve as the foundation for its Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri expected to launch later this year. The deal deepens the alliance between two of the world’s largest tech companies and expands Google’s reach into Apple’s ecosystem of more than two billion active devices.

Google emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating: “After careful evaluation, Apple determined Google’s AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models.” The company added that Gemini will also power other future Apple Intelligence features.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but reports indicate Alphabet had been competing with OpenAI for Apple’s business. In late 2024, Apple had already integrated ChatGPT into its devices, allowing Siri to tap into the chatbot’s expertise for complex queries.

Why It Matters

The agreement is seen as a major win for Alphabet, whose Gemini technology already drives Samsung’s “Galaxy AI.” By securing Apple, Google gains access to one of the largest consumer bases in the world, strengthening its position in the AI race.

For Apple, the partnership addresses long‑standing criticisms of Siri’s limitations compared to rivals like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. The integration of Gemini is expected to make Siri more context‑aware, capable of handling complex tasks, and better aligned with Apple’s privacy standards through its Private Cloud Compute system.

The deal underscores the intensifying competition among tech giants to dominate the AI era. OpenAI’s ChatGPT sparked the current wave of AI adoption, but Google’s Gemini is now positioned as a direct challenger. Apple’s decision to rely on Gemini rather than build its own models from scratch highlights the growing importance of strategic alliances in AI development.

Analysts note that the partnership could reshape consumer expectations of voice assistants. A revamped Siri powered by Gemini may be able to take actions on behalf of users, interpret personal context more effectively, and deliver richer, more natural responses.

Looking Ahead

Apple said the upgraded Siri will roll out later in 2026 as part of its broader Apple Intelligence initiative. The company is expected to showcase the new features at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

For Alphabet, the deal represents not only a technological victory but also a symbolic one, reinforcing its relevance in the AI arms race. As one analyst put it, the partnership “cements Google’s role as a foundational AI provider in the consumer tech ecosystem.”

Image from Google