As Apple draws closer to sealing a $1 billion-per-year deal with Google to power Siri using Google’s advanced Gemini AI, it’s hard not to feel a bit nostalgic about Apple’s initial AI ambitions. The Apple Intelligence announcement at WWDC 2024 promised a bold future for AI on Apple devices. However, nearly 18 months later, the reality has been vastly different.
## The Reality of Apple Intelligence
Apple’s AI journey has been publicly documented as delayed, ineffective, and, frankly, underwhelming. Apple Intelligence now ranks alongside the Apple Newton as one of the company’s most disappointing products. Rumors from Bloomberg’s top industry insider, Mark Gurman, have long suggested that Apple was considering a partnership with Google to address its AI struggles and to meet the postponed upgrade timeline for Siri—expected around March or April 2026.
Now, Gurman’s latest report nearly confirms this: Apple is set to pay Google $1 billion annually to utilize Google’s 1.2 trillion parameter artificial intelligence model to “help run its long-promised overhaul of the Siri voice assistant,” according to sources familiar with the deal.
## Catching Up With Google’s AI Power
To put things into perspective, Google’s Gemini AI boasts 1.2 trillion parameters, while Apple Intelligence’s cloud-based model operates with just 150 million parameters—an almost embarrassing gap. Despite the odds, many believe that Apple, with Google’s help, will eventually get AI right on its devices. But it’s impossible to ignore how far behind Apple has fallen in the AI race.
The deal is expected to remain discreet, with Apple powering Siri using Gemini quietly, without major fanfare. Gurman even notes that internally, this is considered an “interim solution until Apple’s own models are powerful enough.” This reality highlights Apple’s urgency and panic to catch up, despite consistently lagging behind competitors.
## What Went Wrong?
The initial Apple Intelligence reveal appeared hastily assembled to present Apple as a trailblazer, rather than being outpaced by Google and OpenAI. According to Gurman, Google Gemini will power critical parts of Siri, specifically the “summarizer and planner functions.” These components help Siri synthesize information and determine how to execute complex tasks. Some Siri features will still rely on Apple’s in-house models.
This approach creates a hybrid system combining Google’s AI with Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, enabling Apple to maintain its strong privacy stance by keeping user data private from Google.
## Internal Codenames and Leadership
The project to “fix Siri with a third-party model” is reportedly codenamed **”Glenwood”** and is led by Vision Pro headset creator Mike Rockwell and software engineering chief Craig Federighi. Siri itself is codenamed **”Linwood”**, with the revamped voice assistant scheduled to launch as part of iOS 26.4 early next year.
## Is It Too Late for Apple Intelligence?
Last year’s iPhone 16 lineup was marketed as the best smartphone for Apple Intelligence but ultimately delivered limited AI features like Genmoji, Summaries, and Image Playground. The iPhone 17 reveal keynote in September barely mentioned Apple Intelligence at all, signaling a retreat from AI marketing.
This sudden shift raises concerns about the future of Apple Intelligence. Can Apple expect users to overlook its earlier failures and jump back on the hype train when the Gemini-powered Siri launches next year? Surprisingly, openly acknowledging Gemini’s role could restore some credibility Apple has lost. Sticking with slogans like “AI for the rest of us” no longer works in an ecosystem where consumers want transparency and real innovation.
## Moving Forward
The deal is reportedly in its final stages, and with 2026 fast approaching, we won’t have long to wait for full implementation. However, the question remains: has Apple already missed the boat? Google could have powered Siri — just as it powers Samsung AI — back in 2024 without much fuss or criticism.
Instead, Apple is now preparing to debut a new Siri at a time when many users are already familiar with Gemini or competing AI like ChatGPT. Tempting users back to Apple Intelligence may prove difficult.
## Final Thoughts
Apple’s decision to keep its pride front and center may have cost it valuable time in the AI race. While the partnership with Google’s Gemini is a step in the right direction, Apple will need more than just technology to win back consumer trust—it will need humility and transparency.
With the Apple Intelligence story far from over, the coming year will be critical in determining whether Apple can truly stake its claim in the AI future or if it will continue trailing behind its rivals.
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