According to a report by The Information, Apple has asked Google to help run Siri by setting up specialized servers in Google data centres. This move comes as Apple prepares to launch an improved version of Siri, powered by Google’s Gemini (via MacRumors).
The collaboration is part of a multi-year deal where Apple will reportedly pay Google around $1 billion annually. In exchange, Apple gets to use the Gemini AI architecture to give Siri a “brain upgrade.” This is a significant shift for a company that usually prides itself on doing everything in-house.
Apple confirmed the shift in a public statement earlier this year: “After careful evaluation, we determined that Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we’re excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users.”
Even leaders at Google are showing their excitement. Jeff Dean, the chief scientist at Google DeepMind, shared his thoughts on the matter: “I’m excited to see us partner with Apple to bring Gemini models to Apple users, powering Apple Intelligence features!”
Currently, Apple uses a system called Private Cloud Compute. This system uses Apple’s own chips in the cloud to handle tasks that are too big for an iPhone to do on its own. Surprisingly, reports show that only about 10% of that capacity is currently being used. By asking Google to set up servers, Apple is looking to expand its reach and speed without having to build every single data centre itself.
Many users might worry about their personal data being sent to Google servers. To address this, Google has committed to following Apple’s very strict privacy rules. The plan is to use a “Stateless AI” system. This means that when you ask Siri a question, the data is processed but never saved or stored on Google’s side.
This new version of Siri is expected to arrive very soon, most likely as part of the upcoming iOS 26.4 release.
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