Apple turns to Google’s Gemini after AI setback

Apple has announced a multi-year agreement to base its next generation of artificial intelligence models on Google’s Gemini technology after its in-house Apple Intelligence effort struggled.

The partnership marks a major strategic shift for Apple, which has traditionally relied on building its own hardware, software and core technologies.

Apple Intelligence, launched in 2024, received a muted response and faced delays, particularly around upgrades to Siri.

Under the deal, Google’s Gemini will underpin Apple Foundation Models that power AI features across Apple’s ecosystem.

After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users.

Apple and Google said.

Apple said AI features will continue to run on its devices and private cloud infrastructure to preserve user privacy.

The move comes as Apple faces growing competitive pressure and executive departures to rivals such as Meta.

The deal positions Google as a leading force in the AI race, ahead of competitors including OpenAI, whose ChatGPT Apple previously integrated into iOS.

Bloomberg previously reported Apple could pay Google about $1 billion a year for access to Gemini, though official terms were not disclosed.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, briefly reached a $4 trillion market capitalisation following news of the partnership.