Apple gives up and lets Google take the AI wheel – Gemini will officially power Siri’s big AI upgrade this year

We’re still waiting patiently for the arrival of Apple’s AI-powered version of Siri, but a new deal with Google could mean that the upgraded voice assistant is one step closer to launching.

In a joint statement given to CNBC (which we've also now received), Apple and Google say they're about to enter a multi-year partnership. Apple will use Google's AI models to power artificial intelligence features, including a next-gen Siri later this year.

"Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year," the surprise joint statement reads.

Even more surprising is that Apple has publicly admitted that Google's AI tools are simply ...