CUPERTINO/MOUNTAIN VIEW – Apple Inc. has officially pivoted its AI strategy, selecting Google Gemini over OpenAI’s ChatGPT to serve as the primary engine for its next-generation artificial intelligence features. The blockbuster deal, announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, grants Google access to over two billion active Apple devices, effectively positioning Alphabet as the frontrunner in the consumer AI race.
1. A Billion-Dollar Vote of Confidence
The partnership represents the second major alliance between the two tech titans, following their long-standing (and multi-billion dollar) agreement to keep Google Search as the default on iPhones.
- Capability over Hype: In a joint statement, Apple noted that Google Gemini was chosen after an “extensive evaluation,” citing its superior foundational capabilities for Apple’s own internal models.
- The OpenAI Fallout: While Apple integrated ChatGPT into iOS 18 in late 2024, this new multi-year deal moves OpenAI to the sidelines. Apple clarified that while current ChatGPT integrations remain for now, Gemini will be the “foundation” for the future.
2. What This Means for Siri and Apple Intelligence
The integration will be a cornerstone of the Siri 2.0 update scheduled for release later this year.
| Feature | Role of Google Gemini |
| Siri Overhaul | Gemini will power complex reasoning, multi-step task execution, and enhanced natural language understanding. |
| On-Device Privacy | Apple Intelligence will continue to prioritize on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute (PCC) to shield user data. |
| Ecosystem Reach | Gemini will support writing tools, image generation, and context-aware assistance across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. |
3. The Numbers Behind the Deal
While the financial specifics remain undisclosed, the scale of the partnership is unprecedented:
- 2 Billion+ Devices: The number of active iPhones, iPads, and Macs that will now serve as a gateway for Gemini.
- Samsung Precedent: Google Gemini already powers Galaxy AI on Samsung devices; this deal effectively gives Google a near-monopoly on the AI engines of the world’s most popular smartphones.
4. Privacy: The “Non-Negotiable”
Addressing concerns regarding data harvesting, Google emphasized that the partnership respects Apple’s stringent privacy architecture.
- Data Insulation: User queries that require cloud processing will go through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, ensuring that Google does not see personal user data or use it to train its global models unless explicitly permitted.