With all eyes set on the latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence, OpenAI’s ChatGPT might have suffered its biggest setback. Google has struck the biggest AI deal of 2026 with Apple, and now Gemini is all set to power the upcoming version of the enhanced Apple Siri. According to the industry insiders, this deal could be worth up to several billion dollar.
In a joint statement, Google and Apple announced that the two have entered a multi-year collaboration, under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology.
This is likely to mark a major shift in the way Apple users use AI in their iPhones, iPads and Macbooks. The deal also indicates that Apple is finally warming up to external AI collaborations after its own generative AI tools could only garner a lukewarm response.
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What Will The Gemini-Apple AI Deal Entail?
According to the media reports so far, the agreement will allow Apple to use Gemini AI models to support Siri and other Apple Intelligence features across iPhones and Apple devices. However, Apple has confirmed that the deal is “non-exclusive” and it would also continue developing its own in-house AI technologies. Besides, it does not mean the end of the partnership with OpenAI, but insiders say the new deal is likely to push ChatGPT into a more supporting role.
The two firms have not shared exact details of the agreement. Gemini features will be used for advanced generative tasks such as text generation, summarisation and contextual responses within Apple Intelligence.
Why Is Apple Partnering With Google On Artificial Intelligence?
Apple’s move comes at a time when generative AI is rapidly reshaping user expectations. Microsoft and Samsung have already moved aggressively by embedding OpenAI and Google AI into their ecosystems.
Initially, Apple was keen on building an in-house AI technology. its latest move is being widely read as as an acknowledgement that the firm needs to balance internal innovation with meaningful collaborations. Besides, the deal will also grant Apple access to Google’s cloud computing technology.
What Does This Relationship Mean for Google & Gemini?
For Google, the agreement represents a major strategic win. It already controls a major chunk of the smartphone market with Android, but now it can have access to one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer technology ecosystems.
By placing Gemini at the heart of Apple’s AI roadmap, Google has also strengthened its position against OpenAI and Anthropic, expanding its AI reach beyond its browser and Android operating system.
When Will Gemini Arrive on Apple Devices?
Apple is likely to start introducing Gemini-powered features in 2026 itself. An advanced Siri launch is our best guess for the first rollout. According to the joint announcement, Gemini-powered Apple Intelligence features will also include an advanced and more personalised Siri later this year.
Privacy and Regulatory Considerations
Given Google’s data-centric business model, the Gemini-Apple deal has also sparked concerns around user privacy and control, which has long been a defining feature of Apple’s ecosystem. But Apple is clear: any third-party AI integration shall comply with Apple’s “industry-leading” privacy standards.
Apple has assured users that all AI tools, including ChatGPT and Gemini, will operate within clearly defined boundaries on its platform. We also expect the company to enforce strict regulations on the data shared with these external AI services to safeguard users’ privacy.
Despite its assurances, the deal may draw extra regulatory attention as global authorities scrutinise partnerships among dominant tech firms.
The Bigger Picture
The Apple–Google Gemini deal invariably means improved AI features for Apple users and a larger market share for Google. But, in the broader picture, the deal testifies to how generative AI is becoming too complex, too fast for any company to dominate alone. By teaming up, Apple and Google have only cemented the fact that strategic partnerships might drive the future of AI as much as competition. Meanwhile, the authorities will have their task cut out for them to ensure no one wins the AI race at the cost of users’ privacy or safety.
