Apple Discusses Google Hosting New Siri as Need for Cloud Help Grows
TL;DR
In January, when Apple announced an agreement to use Google’s Gemini models in Apple products, it was an admission that the iPhone maker hasn’t been able to compete in AI on its own over the past couple years. But the deal also showed that Apple is again relying on an outside company to help it with another deficiency: in cloud computing. Now there’s a chance Apple could deepen its cloud dependence on Google even more. At Apple’s request, Google has investigated setting up servers inside its data centers to run an upcoming version of Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, that will be powered by Gemini while also abiding by Apple’s privacy standards, said two people with knowledge of the talks. Apple already relies on Google Cloud for services like online storage and training of Apple’s in-house AI models.
Nauti's Take
Apple's reliance on Google for Siri's cloud infrastructure is a stark admission of its AI and cloud shortcomings. The tech giant's hesitation to develop in-house capabilities has led to a deepening dependence on Google's cloud services.
With Gemini-powered Siri on the horizon, Apple's strategic gamble may pay off in the short term, but raises long-term concerns about its competitiveness in AI. The partnership underscores the challenges Apple faces in balancing innovation with data privacy.
Summary
In January, when Apple announced an agreement to use Google’s Gemini models in Apple products, it was an admission that the iPhone maker hasn’t been able to compete in AI on its own over the past couple years. But the deal also showed that Apple is again relying on an outside company to help it with another deficiency: in cloud computing.
Now there’s a chance Apple could deepen its cloud dependence on Google even more. At Apple’s request, Google has investigated setting up servers inside its data centers to run an upcoming version of Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, that will be powered by Gemini while also abiding by Apple’s privacy standards, said two people with knowledge of the talks.
Apple already relies on Google Cloud for services like online storage and training of Apple’s in-house AI models.
Sources