Apple has confirmed that it is teaming up with Google to use Gemini models to power future Siri and Apple Intelligence features.
In a statement to CNBC’s Jim Cramer, Apple confirmed the news:
After careful evaluation, we determined that Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we’re excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users.”
CNBC says that the deal between Apple and Google is a multi-year partnership. Apple will use Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology for future versions of its own Apple Foundation Models.
The statement from Apple does not provide any details on a timeline for when it will launch new Siri and Apple Intelligence features. CNBC says the features will launch “later this year.”
At WWDC 2024, Apple announced the Apple Intelligence ecosystem, with features including Writing Tools, Image Playground, Genmoji, and more. As part of that, ti also announced a new version of Siri with upgrades including personal context, in-app actions, and on-screen awareness.
While Apple shipped the majority of the Apple Intelligence features it announced at WWDC 2024, it delayed the launch of that revamped version of Siri. In a statement to John Gruber last May, Apple said it was taking longer than expected to deliver on those features.
Today’s confirmation comes after months of in-depth reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman on this topic. According to Gurman, Apple will pay Google around $1 billion per year for access to Google Gemini models. Bloomberg also reported that will use a 1.2 trillion parameter AI model to power its new version of Siri.
Apple and Google haven’t confirmed any of the technical or financial terms of the arrangement. The expectation is that Google will power select Apple Intelligence features, while Apple’s own models will continue to power select features.
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