Apple teams up with Google Gemini for AI-powered Siri (www.cnn.com)

Apple has announced a partnership with Google to implement the Gemini AI model in an upcoming update of Siri, aimed for release later this year. This collaboration follows Apple’s evaluation of various AI technologies and highlights Google’s Gemini as a significant advancement for Apple’s Foundation Models. The multi-year agreement is expected to enhance Siri’s capabilities, addressing concerns that Apple is lagging behind other tech giants in AI development. This strategic move comes after a delay in the Siri upgrade, which was first teased at Apple’s 2024 Worldwide Development Conference. For the AI/ML community, this partnership signifies a meaningful shift in Apple’s approach to artificial intelligence, as it relies on Google’s sophisticated technology instead of developing an in-house model. While this decision may indicate challenges in Apple’s internal AI capabilities, it has been positively received by investors who see potential for increased device sales following the enhancements to Siri. Financial insights suggest that Apple could invest around $1 billion annually for Gemini’s integration. Notably, Apple maintains a focus on user privacy, with AI features operating on-device or securely in the cloud, ensuring the protection of personal data amid evolving industry standards.