Ashhar Alam

Apple and Google announced a major multi-year AI partnership on Monday, under which Google’s Gemini tech stack will be integrated into Apple devices. Most notably, Gemini will power the long-delayed advanced Siri, marking a significant boost to Apple’s AI capabilities.

Privacy questions arise
The deal has sparked concerns about user data privacy, particularly whether Google could use Siri interactions to train its AI models. Apple and Google have historically taken very different approaches to privacy. Apple keeps most identifiable user data on-device, while Google has admitted to using publicly available data to train its AI systems. Gemini also stores conversations in Gemini Apps Activity for 18 months by default, which can be used to improve its models unless users manually opt out.

Apple addressed this in its joint statement with Google, saying, “Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple’s industry-leading privacy standards.” However, the statement offers few details on exactly how this will be implemented or what users should expect in practice.

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It is likely that Google will create a custom Gemini model specifically for Apple. This model would run both on-device and via Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, similar to how Pixel phones use a custom Gemini nano model for AI features. Full details about the architecture and privacy measures will likely be shared when the advanced Siri launches, expected in spring this year.