Apple has chosen Google's Gemini, rather than OpenAI's ChatGPT, as the AI foundation for its next-generation Siri. On January 12, 2026, Apple and Google released a joint statement, announcing a multi-year collaboration to build the next-generation Apple Foundation model on top of the Gemini model and Google Cloud technologies. This model will underpin future Apple Intelligence features and will also be applied to a more personalized Siri by 2026.
In a joint statement, Apple explained that after an evaluation process, it determined that Google's AI technology was the best fit for Apple's Foundation model. They also emphasized that Apple's intelligence will continue to operate on Apple devices, scale through private cloud compute, and maintain Apple's privacy standards.
This decision is interpreted as Apple's attempt to bridge the gap through external partnerships while delaying the release of AI features. The market has noted that Apple has been buying time by integrating ChatGPT into Siri starting in late 2024, allowing external models to be called only for complex queries. However, it has not yet been clearly revealed how the Gemini-based transition will affect the existing ChatGPT integration.
From Google's perspective, Gemini's influence could significantly expand through Apple's estimated installed base of over 2 billion iPhones and iPads. As the two companies' collaboration, already tied to a search default agreement, expands into AI, regulatory risks are being raised again. Reuters reported that this deal signals increased trust in Google AI, while also emphasizing the symbolic importance of Gemini's entry into the Apple ecosystem.
Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to launching a personalized Siri by 2026. It remains to be seen whether the collaboration with Google will lead to improved user experiences and how Apple will maintain its emphasized on-device processing and privacy strategy.
