Apple reportedly to pay Google ~$1B/year to power parts of the new Siri

Recent reporting indicates Apple plans to pay Google roughly $1 billion per year for a customized version of Google’s Gemini model to power key components of its redesigned Siri. That Google‑derived model would run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute and handle Siri’s summarizer and planner functions — the systems that synthesize information and sequence multi‑step tasks.

Apple reportedly intends the Gemini layer as a temporary boost: the company is said to be developing its own very large cloud model (around one trillion parameters) to replace Google’s tech as soon as it’s ready. The arrangement would let Apple accelerate Siri’s capabilities while it builds out its in‑house models.

What’s changing for Siri

• Role of Gemini: Summarization and planning duties — enabling Siri to compile information and plan multi‑step actions across apps.
• Hybrid architecture: Apple will mix Google’s cloud model with its own on‑device and server models to balance capability and privacy.
• Cost: The reported fee is roughly $1 billion per year, signaling a large strategic investment in accelerating Siri improvements.

Why Apple might do this

Using a mature, high‑capability model from Google lets Apple move faster on ambitious assistant features — especially those that require heavy summarization and planning — without waiting for an internally built model to reach parity. It’s a pragmatic shortcut to deliver better user experiences sooner.

Risks and questions

• Privacy & data flow: Running a Google‑derived model on Apple’s private cloud reduces cross‑company data exposure, but watchdogs and users will still want clarity on what data is logged, how prompts are handled, and what protections exist against leakage.
• Vendor dependency: Relying on a competitor’s core model introduces short‑term dependency and strategic risk, even if Apple plans to replace it later.
• Transparency: Apple reportedly won’t advertise the Google link — that could raise questions about disclosure and user expectations.

Timing and context

Apple has previously explored partnerships with other model makers and delayed its Siri relaunch, in part to tighten safety and capability. Reports suggest the company aims to have its own trillion‑parameter cloud model ready for consumer features as early as next year, which would allow it to phase out the Google layer.

Practically, this move shows how competitive pressure and the fast pace of AI development push even tightly integrated companies like Apple to partner with external model providers to ship features quickly.

Discussion: Would you prefer Apple ship a more capable Siri now using a Google‑derived model — or wait until Apple’s own model is ready? What privacy or transparency guarantees would make you comfortable with a hybrid approach?

Note: This post summarizes recent reporting and industry context. We’ll update if Apple makes official announcements or if more details emerge.