In a bold move to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, Apple is reportedly set to pay Google $1 billion annually for the development and maintenance of a specialized AI model. This model will be a tailored version of Google's Gemini, aimed at powering the next generation of Siri. This significant investment underscores Apple's urgent desire to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, particularly in light of its difficulties in creating an AI model that rivals Google’s Gemini.
In recent months, voice assistants from major tech brands such as Google and Amazon have undergone substantial upgrades, leveraging the power of AI. Both Alexa+ and the newly revamped Gemini—which has replaced the former Google Assistant—are currently available for user testing and feedback. Meanwhile, Apple's journey to enhance Siri continues to face hurdles. The company has reportedly explored partnerships with leading AI firms including OpenAI and Anthropic, ultimately deciding to collaborate with Google.
Recent reports by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest that Apple is moving closer to releasing a redesigned version of Siri, powered by Google’s Gemini. The deal, which entails an annual payment of $1 billion to Google, is a pivotal step for Apple in its quest to harness advanced AI for Siri. This custom model is expected to have an astonishing 1.2 trillion parameters—far exceeding Apple's current 150-billion-parameter Siri model. Such an extensive learning base will potentially allow Siri to deliver more sophisticated responses and better comprehend language subtleties.
While details regarding the parameter size of Google’s models are not publicly disclosed, it has been claimed that the Gemini Ultra model from 2023 boasts 1.56 trillion parameters. If Apple’s customized model exceeds this, it may become one of the most powerful AI models ever created by Google. This advancement could allow Siri to possess greater knowledge than the Gemini model found on Android devices.
Rather than utilizing a standard version of the Gemini model, Apple plans to implement a tailored version on its own Private Cloud Compute architecture, avoiding reliance on Google’s servers. Reports indicate that Apple has already set aside resources for this initiative. The anticipated launch of the revamped Siri is scheduled for the spring of 2026, coinciding with the iOS 26.4 update. Apple aims to integrate Siri more deeply into its ecosystem, allowing it to perform tasks within third-party applications, thereby enhancing the utility of the iPhone.
Although some critics argue that Apple has already fallen behind in the AI race, particularly given that these enhancements were first proposed in 2024, the reality is that AI technology on mobile devices is still in its developmental stages. If Apple acts swiftly and effectively, it has the potential to close the gap with its competitors. The success of the upgraded Siri will ultimately depend on its ability to meet user needs, rather than merely serving as a superficial upgrade akin to the ChatGPT integration in Siri.
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