Apple Turns to Google’s Gemini Model for Siri Revamp
In a striking shift, Apple is reported to be entering a deal with Google to license the advanced Gemini AI model, with expectations of paying roughly $1 billion per year. This move comes as Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, lags behind competitors in handling complex tasks and contextual AI. The agreement marks one of Apple’s boldest steps yet into generative AI, signaling a new era for the company’s approach to intelligence features across its ecosystem.
According to published reports, Apple will deploy a custom version of Google’s Gemini model—boasting more than a trillion parameters to empower new layers of capability within Siri. While Apple is still developing its own large‐scale models, the partnership will serve as a stop‐gap solution to bring cutting-edge AI functionality to users faster. For Southeast Asia and global markets, this collaboration could translate into smarter voice experiences across iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices, enabling more fluent interactions, robust summarization and deeper context awareness.
Analysts say the deal also reflects shifting power dynamics: Apple, once the dominant integrator of its software stack, is now relying on a rival’s foundational AI technology. The arrangement raises questions around long‐term strategy, data handling, privacy safeguards and competitive differentiation. Despite these concerns, it could accelerate AI adoption in mobile devices and reshape how consumers across regions engage with voice assistants and intelligent features.
source: cnet
THIS IS our take
This deal underscores just how serious AI has become for the smartphone ecosystem—and how even Apple is willing to pay big to stay in the game. For users across Southeast Asia, the promise of smarter, more capable voice assistants means waiting could soon pay off.
