Apple $AAPL ( ▲ 0.34% ) is finally making its biggest AI move yet.
According to CNBC, Apple has selected Google’s $GOOGL Gemini model in a multi-year partnership to power its revamped, AI-powered Siri, which is expected to launch this year. After a year of delays and skepticism around Apple’s AI roadmap, this is the clearest signal so far that Cupertino is prioritizing “best model wins” over building everything in-house.
Siri Gets Its AI Engine
In a statement seen by CNBC, Apple said:
“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.”
This partnership gives Apple a foundation model it can plug into Siri quickly, instead of trying to catch up internally while competitors sprint ahead.
Apple’s AI Moment of Truth
Apple first announced an upgraded Siri back in June 2024, but it failed to execute on many of its promised features, especially:
personalization
deep system integration
The newest Siri was expected this spring, but this Gemini news suggests Apple is restructuring its approach to actually ship something powerful and on time.
Bloomberg previously reported Apple plans to pay Google around $1 billion per year to use Gemini for Siri, which makes this not just a product decision, but a major strategic alliance.
Wall Street Gets the Confirmation It Wanted
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called the decision a turning point.
He described it as what the Street has been waiting for, since Apple’s AI strategy has been the “elephant in the room” for the stock. In his view, it’s a validation moment for Google as a premier foundation model provider, and for Apple as it tries to accelerate into 2026 and beyond.
This also checks one of the four major “must do” items Ives laid out for Apple to have a breakout 2026.
Google Pops, Market Cap Flexes
Google briefly touched a $4 trillion market cap after the news, showing how big this partnership is for perception and positioning.
Apple hit that milestone in 2025 but has since slipped back to around $3.8 trillion.
Bottom line: Apple just outsourced the brain of Siri to Google, and it’s being treated like an “AI strategy unlocked” moment for both companies.