Apple Intelligence to get Gemini-infused upgrade
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Image: Apple
Between regulatory difficulties in the EU and technical shortcomings Apple Intelligence has had a rocky journey, however that may be about to change after the signing of a multi-year collaboration with Google.
According to a joint statement, Apple’s Foundation Models framework – which gives developers access to the on-device large language model (LLM) underpinning Apple Intelligence – will now be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology.
“After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users,” the statement read. “Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple’s industry-leading privacy standards.”
Apple Intelligence was announced at 2024’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) where it was described as a “personal intlligence system that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that is incredibly useful and relevant”. It was launched in August 2024 in the US but only saw an EU release in April 2025 owing to privacy and security concerns raised under the Digital Markets Act.
Apple Intelligence was to be a key selling point for iOS 18 and the iPhone 16, however, the delayed release of features such as live translation, writing tools, image editors, and a delayed Siri upgrade dampened enthusiasm. That did not stop the iPhone 16 from being a hit with consumers – in the third quarter of 2025 it was the world’s best selling smartphone. It’s arguable that the smartphone’s success without a fully functional Apple Intelligence on launch day underlined a lack of interest among the general public.
The deal with Google will come as a blow to OpenAI, which already has ChatGPT integrations with Apple Intelligence and Siri. Whether the new deal will see these dumped out of Cupertino’s AI strategy remains to be seen.
The deal will be another fillip to Google parent company Alphabet, which recently saw it’s market valuation pass $4 trillion. Only three other companies have passed this milestone: Nvidia, Apple and Microsoft.
TechCentral Reporters