On January 12, 2026, Apple and Google announced something nobody expected: Siri will run on Google's Gemini technology. This isn't an optional integration like ChatGPT. It's the main engine. Apple has admitted, without saying it explicitly, that its own AI isn't up to par.
This deal marks a before and after in Apple's history. The company that always boasted about doing everything "in-house," that built its empire on total control of hardware and software, now depends on Google for one of the most important features of its devices.
In this comprehensive guide, we analyze what this deal means, why Apple reached this point, what will change for iPhone users, and why the tech community is divided between applause and outrage.
What Exactly Did Apple and Google Announce
The joint statement was brief but powerful: the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. In Apple's words:
"After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we are excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users."
Translation: "We tried, we failed, and Google does it better."
The deal includes:
- Gemini technology license to power Apple Intelligence
- A "more personalized" Siri coming in iOS 26.4
- Access to over 2 billion iOS devices for Google
- Multi-year contract (exact duration not disclosed)
The Numbers Behind the Deal
Although neither company confirmed exact figures, analysts estimate:
| Concept | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Apple's annual payment to Google | ~$1 billion |
| Maximum estimate (Gene Munster) | Up to $5 billion |
| Exclusivity | NO (Apple can use other providers) |
To put this in context: Google already pays Apple over $20 billion annually to be the default search engine in Safari. Now Apple is returning part of that money to use their AI.
Why Apple Failed With Its Own AI
The story behind this deal is one of internal chaos, indecision, and frustrated talent that jumped ship.
The Unfulfilled Promise of Apple Intelligence
At WWDC 2024, Apple announced with great fanfare that Siri would receive a massive overhaul with Apple Intelligence. They promised an assistant capable of understanding context, executing complex actions, and competing with Google Assistant and ChatGPT.
The promised date: March 2025.
The reality: it never came.
The Unacceptable Ratio
According to internal sources cited by Bloomberg, the new Siri based on Apple Intelligence only worked correctly 2 out of 3 times. For a company obsessed with perfection, that ratio was unacceptable for public release.
Leadership Chaos
The Siri team suffered multiple problems:
- Repeated technological pivots - They built several models before changing direction
- Leadership indecision - The team "decided to go in different directions multiple times"
- Engineer exodus - Frustration led key members to leave Apple
- Personality conflicts - Beyond technical problems, there were internal friction
A former Apple executive told the Financial Times:
"The Google deal is a necessary byproduct of Apple's decision not to 'go big' on its AI investments like its competitors."
John Giannandrea's Retirement
To top it off, John Giannandrea, Apple's head of AI and machine learning, announced his retirement in 2026. His responsibilities will be split among several executives, including Amar Subramanya, a new hire who comes from... Google and Microsoft.
The irony is palpable.
What Changes for iPhone Users
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or later, here's what you can expect:
New Siri Capabilities
The new Gemini-powered Siri will have:
- Better personal context understanding - Access to your data to complete tasks
- Screen awareness - Ability to "see" and understand current content
- Deeper app controls - Actions within and across applications
Practical example from Apple: A user asks Siri about their mother's flight and lunch plans, and Siri responds by combining information from Mail and Messages apps.
Implementation Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | iOS 26.4 beta with new Siri |
| March-April 2026 | Public release of iOS 26.4 |
| June 2026 (WWDC) | Additional features announcement |
| iOS 27 | Full capabilities of new Siri |
What About ChatGPT?
The ChatGPT integration that Apple announced at WWDC 2024 remains, but is relegated to a secondary role. ChatGPT will be an "opt-in" option for "world knowledge" queries, while Gemini will be the default engine.
OpenAI loses. Google wins.
The Million-Dollar Question: What About Privacy?
This is the question every Apple fan is asking. Apple has built its brand on privacy. Google has built its business on data collection. How does this work?
Official Guarantees
Apple and Google have promised:
| Aspect | Guarantee |
|---|---|
| User data | Google will NOT receive Apple user data |
| Where it runs | On Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute |
| Privacy layer | Apple uses a "privacy buffer" that removes identifiers |
| Advertising use | Data will NOT be shared for advertising or training |
Lingering Doubts
Privacy experts aren't entirely convinced:
"The lack of detail is notable. When companies announce privacy protection measures, details matter."
The tension is inherent: Apple, which boasts about privacy, partnering with Google, which lives off data. Only time will tell if the promises are kept.
Reactions: From Applause to Fury
The tech community is divided. Here are the most notable voices:
Those Who Applaud
Carolina Milanesi (Creative Strategies) used a Formula 1 analogy:
"Buy the engine and focus on the car design."
The logic: Apple doesn't need to be the best at everything. If Google has better AI, use it and focus on what Apple does well: user experience.
Bank of America sees the deal as Gemini validation:
"Reinforces Gemini's position as a leading LLM for mobile devices."
Those Who Criticize
Dan Ives (Wedbush) sees worrying signs:
"The continued need to rely on partners is a concerning signal, suggesting Apple still struggles to build its own LLM."
TechRadar was brutal:
"Apple will not be among tech leaders in this golden age of AI. The deal is the most disappointing thing to come out of Apple since the Newton."
Elon Musk Furious
The Tesla and xAI CEO didn't stay quiet:
"Seems like unreasonable concentration of power for Google."
Additionally, his company xAI is suing Apple and OpenAI for their ChatGPT partnership. The legal drama has just begun.
Implications for the AI Market
Google Consolidates Its Dominance
The announcement pushed Google's market cap above $4 trillion. It solidifies the narrative that Google has not only caught up with OpenAI but surpassed it in having the best AI models on the market.
OpenAI Loses Ground
OpenAI lost:
- Default integration in the Apple ecosystem
- Direct access to over 2 billion iOS devices
According to reports, OpenAI made "a conscious decision not to become Apple's custom model provider" in fall 2025. Instead, it focused on building its own AI device.
It now depends more than ever on its partnership with Microsoft.
Voice Assistant Comparison
Before and after the deal:
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Siri's engine | Apple Foundation Models | Gemini |
| Gemini's reach | Android + web | Android + iOS + web |
| OpenAI's position | Integrated in iOS | Relegated to secondary role |
Data You Need to Know
Response Accuracy (Before the Deal)
| Assistant | Comprehension | Correct Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Google Assistant | 100% | 93% |
| Siri | 99.8% | 83.1% |
Siri was 10 percentage points behind. Now, with Gemini, that gap should close.
Affected Users
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Active iPhone users | 1.38-1.56 billion |
| Total active Apple devices | 2.3 billion |
| iOS market share in U.S. | 54.76% |
| iOS market share globally | 27.81% |
Voice Assistant Market Size
- 2024 Value: $7.35 billion
- 2030 Projection: $33.74 billion
- Annual Growth: 26.5%
What This Means for the Future
This deal marks the end of an era and the beginning of another:
For Apple
- End of "we do everything ourselves" - Apple accepts it can't lead in everything
- Google dependency - An uncomfortable but necessary relationship
- Pressure to innovate - If they can't lead in AI, where will they lead?
For Google
- Gemini validation - The best possible endorsement: your rival uses it
- Massive access - 2 billion iOS devices now use their technology
- Market dominance - Android + iOS = practically all smartphones
For Users
- Smarter Siri - Will finally compete with Google Assistant
- Privacy questions - Will have to trust the promises
- Fewer choices - Google dominates more and more
Our Assessment
After analyzing all the data, sources, and reactions, our conclusion is nuanced:
Pros of the deal:
- Siri will improve significantly
- iPhone users will get better AI
- Apple set aside pride to deliver a better product
Cons of the deal:
- Concentration of power in Google
- Privacy doubts
- Apple loses technological differentiation
- Signal that Apple can't compete in AI
Verdict: It's a pragmatic decision that benefits users in the short term, but raises uncomfortable questions about Apple's future as a tech innovator. If the company that invented the iPhone now depends on Google for AI, what does that tell us about the current tech race?
What's clear is that 2026 will be a decisive year. The new Siri with Gemini arrives in spring, and then we'll see if the promises are kept or if there are more surprises along the way.
