Introduction
Apple is nearing a landmark agreement with Google: the Cupertino giant will pay approximately $1 billion annually for a customized version of Google's Gemini AI model to dramatically enhance Siri. This move represents a significant shift for a company traditionally devoted to its own technology, signaling that Apple's AI isn't yet ready to compete with industry leaders.
The Challenge: Siri Falls Behind
In recent years, Siri has struggled to keep pace with emerging AI assistants. Apple has recognized this gap and plans a comprehensive overhaul of its voice assistant. The current cloud-based Apple Intelligence relies on 150 billion parameters, but competing effectively requires greater power.
The Solution: Google's Gemini
The customized Google AI model Apple will deploy uses 1.2 trillion parameters—roughly eight times more complex than Apple Intelligence's current capabilities. This technological leap would enable Siri to understand nuanced requests, perform sophisticated tasks, and deliver smarter, context-aware responses.
Apple evaluated three major providers: Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. After thorough testing, it chose to move forward with Gemini, preferring it to alternative solutions.
A Temporary Solution
Critically, Apple doesn't intend to depend on Google indefinitely. The company views this agreement as a stopgap measure, maintained until its own AI models become sufficiently powerful to operate independently. This strategy reflects Apple's ambition to reclaim technological independence in the AI sector.
Timeline and Launch
The enhanced Siri is expected to arrive in spring 2025. However, with the launch still months away, plans may shift. Apple and Google will likely continue refining the integration in coming months.
Market Implications
This agreement highlights the growing role of strategic partnerships in the AI sector. While Apple continues building its own machine learning capabilities, it recognizes that acquiring external talent and technology accelerates innovation. For Google, it validates Gemini's quality and secures substantial recurring revenue from one of the world's largest device makers.
Conclusion
Apple's $1 billion annual deal with Google to power Siri with Gemini marks a turning point for voice assistants. Though temporary, it reveals Apple's urgency to close the AI capability gap. With a spring 2025 launch anticipated, Apple users will soon experience a significantly smarter and more capable Siri.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will Apple pay Google annually for the new Siri?
Apple will pay approximately $1 billion per year to Google for a customized version of Gemini designed to power Siri with advanced artificial intelligence.
How much more powerful is Gemini than current Apple Intelligence?
Google's Gemini model features 1.2 trillion parameters—roughly eight times greater than Apple Intelligence's current 150 billion parameters—making it significantly more complex and capable.
Is this agreement permanent or temporary?
Apple has clarified this is a temporary solution. The company will use Gemini until its own AI models become sufficiently powerful to operate independently.
When will the enhanced Siri launch?
The new Siri is expected to launch in spring 2025, though plans may still change in the months leading up to release.
Did Apple consider other AI options?
Yes, Apple tested models from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic before choosing to proceed with Gemini as the optimal solution.
Why doesn't Apple rely solely on its own AI?
Apple's current AI technology isn't yet advanced enough to deliver the capabilities the new Siri demands, necessitating partnership with external providers like Google.
What improvements will the new Siri bring?
Powered by Gemini, Siri will understand complex requests, execute sophisticated tasks, and provide smarter, context-aware responses thanks to the model's greater computational power.