Apple Google AI Partnership: Gemini AI Coming to Siri and Apple Intelligence

Apple has confirmed a multi-year deal to use Google's Gemini models for Siri and Apple Intelligence. Here is what the partnership means for privacy and release dates.

Apple iPhone Air showing Siri

Gemini models will power Siri and Apple Intelligence features
Rollout is expected later in 2026
Privacy remains a priority with on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute
Multi-year deal brings two major tech rivals together

Apple’s AI strategy just took a massive turn. As reported jointly by Apple and Google, the iPhone maker has confirmed a multi-year Apple-Google AI partnership to use Gemini AI models for its next generation of features. This deal aims to overhaul Siri and the broader Apple Intelligence system, addressing the performance gap that has formed between Apple’s voice assistant and competitors.

For users in the UAE, this promises a significantly smarter iPhone experience, though we will have to wait until later in 2026 to see the results. The collaboration highlights the intense pressure in the tech industry to deliver competent AI, a trend mirroring the surge in local investment seen in Abu Dhabi's AI initiatives.

What the Apple-Google AI partnership means

The core of this deal involves Apple integrating Google’s Gemini models and cloud infrastructure into its ecosystem. While Apple has its own foundation models, the partnership allows it to use Gemini’s advanced capabilities for more complex tasks. This should result in a Siri that actually understands context, follows conversation threads, and provides useful answers rather than just web search links.

This is a practical move. Building the infrastructure to compete with Gemini requires massive resources—the kind driving demand for enterprise hardware like Seagate's AI storage solutions—and Apple has chosen to partner rather than play catch-up entirely on its own.

Privacy concerns addressed

Handing data to Google is usually a red flag for privacy-conscious Apple users. However, some reports note that Apple has built specific safeguards into this integration. Key features will continue to run on-device, and cloud-based processing will utilise Apple's Private Cloud Compute platform.

Crucially, raw user queries will not be sent back to Google’s systems. Apple maintains control over the data flow, using Gemini strictly as an intelligence engine rather than a data harvesting tool. This hybrid approach aims to offer Google-level smarts with Apple-level privacy.

Release Date and Availability for UAE Users

The revamped Siri and Apple Intelligence features are slated to roll out later in 2026. While no specific date was given, this timeline suggests a launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup and iOS 20 in September 2026.

For UAE users, software rollouts typically happen simultaneously with the global launch. However, regional feature availability can vary, so we will need to watch for confirmation on whether all Gemini-powered capabilities will be active in the region on day one.

FAQs

What is the Apple Google AI partnership about?

Apple will use Google's Gemini AI models and cloud infrastructure to power its next-generation AI features, including a significantly revamped Siri and the Apple Intelligence system.

When will Siri be powered by Gemini AI?

The integration is slated to roll out later in 2026, likely coinciding with Apple's major software updates in the second half of the year.

Will my privacy be protected with Gemini AI on Apple devices?

Yes. Apple states that key AI features will continue to run on-device or through its Private Cloud Compute platform. Raw user queries are not sent back to Google's systems.

Will I need to pay for the new Siri?

Apple has not announced pricing changes. Historically, Siri updates are free parts of iOS upgrades, though some advanced AI features could potentially be gated behind specific hardware or subscriptions in the future.

Does this replace Apple's own AI?

No. Apple is using Gemini to enhance its capabilities, specifically for complex tasks. It still uses its own Apple Foundation Models for many on-device functions.