In a world where technology titans often boast about their innovations, Apple is taking a different route. The Cupertino giant has struck a covert deal with Google, reportedly spending a staggering $1 billion a year to quietly incorporate Google’s powerful AI technology into its digital assistant, Siri. According to Bloomberg and Gurman’s Power On newsletter, this collaboration is masked in secrecy and wrapped in strategic obfuscation to maintain Apple’s veneer of self-reliance.
The Mysterious Gemini Model
At the heart of this hefty annual outlay is Google’s Gemini AI model, a robust 1.2 trillion parameter marvel that will redefine Siri’s capabilities in summarization and planning. Internally, this partnership goes by the nondescript name “AFM v10,” a deliberate attempt to shroud Google’s involvement in mystery. The use of such code names ensures that the collaboration sidesteps internal and external detection, aligning with Apple’s historical emphasis on privacy and proprietary technologies.
A Departure from Tradition
The partnership, although indispensable, subtly underlines a deviation from Apple’s hallmark self-reliance. After rigorously testing several models, including offerings from OpenAI and Anthropic, Apple found Google’s system superior. This unprecedented move signals a new chapter in AI-driven innovation for the tech giant. Interestingly, unlike the well-publicized Safari default search engine deal with Google worth $20 billion annually, this AI undertaking remains invisible to consumers.
Ensuring Privacy and Compliance
Apple’s strategic move entails operating Google’s AI system via Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, preserving user privacy by keeping data isolated from Google’s environment. This structural setup silences potential privacy alarms—a priority for consumers and regulators alike. Even in China, where Google services face restrictions, Apple plans to deploy its models, fortified by Alibaba’s content filtering prowess.
Peering into the Future
Whether a temporary union of necessity or a long-term strategy, Apple’s collaboration with Google paves the road for the company’s ambitious AI aspirations. Apple is hard at work developing its own 1 trillion parameter model, aiming for a debut as early as next year. This internal project seems fast-tracked, especially amid reports of notable departures within Apple’s AI leadership.
Looking Ahead to a Revamped Siri
Looking further ahead, Apple is targeting a spring 2026 release for its revamped Siri version, noted internally as Linwood, within iOS 26.4. CEO Tim Cook has hinted at broadening Siri’s horizons to incorporate multiple chatbot integrations, transcending its current alliance with ChatGPT.
As Apple’s billion-dollar dalliance with Google unfolds behind the curtains, tech enthusiasts worldwide await the unveiling of this high-stakes AI venture and the inevitability of its transformative impact on how we interact with our devices. According to The Times of India, this partnership reflects a dynamic shift in the AI landscape.