Katarzyna Petru
Not long ago, Apple assured that the new Siri based on Gemini models would operate under the full control of the infrastructure from Cupertino. Now there are reports that some processing may go directly to Google's data centres. This is a potential twist in the "privacy-first" narrative that Apple has made the foundation of its marketing strategy.
Siri on Google servers?
According to reports from The Information, Apple has reached out to Google to explore the possibility of running the servers that will support the future version of Siri on Google Cloud infrastructure. Until now, Apple has emphasised that data processing within Apple Intelligence takes place locally on the device or within a Private Cloud Compute using servers powered by Apple Silicon. Now it appears that its own resources may not be sufficient. Interestingly, according to sources, only about 10% of the computing power of Private Cloud Compute is being used, and some AI servers are still awaiting installation. At the same time, Apple has been phasing out its older infrastructure based on Nvidia technologies, which may have weakened its readiness for the AI boom.
Why Apple Might Need Google?
The AI market has accelerated at a pace that Apple, traditionally focused on hardware and user experience, may have underestimated. For the new Siri to compete with chatbots and assistants based on large language models, it requires massive computing power. This is predominantly held by cloud providers today, such as Google or Amazon. Importantly, Sundar Pichai confirmed during an Alphabet teleconference that Google is collaborating with Apple as a "preferred cloud provider" in the development of Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini. Conversely, Tim Cook publicly maintains that user data will still be processed on-device and in Private Cloud Compute.
Privacy Under Pressure
Collaboration with Google in itself is nothing extraordinary; Apple has been using external suppliers for years. The problem lies in the image. The company markets its devices as uncompromising in terms of privacy. If even part of Siri's processing ends up on Google's infrastructure, Apple will have to explain very precisely how it secures user data and whether it maintains full control over its processing.
Gemini in Siri is not just a technological update, but a potential change in Apple’s philosophy in the field of AI. If the reports are confirmed, Siri may in the future leverage Google's computing power. However, the real challenge will not be the collaboration itself, but maintaining the promise of privacy that has been a cornerstone of the Apple brand for years.
source: Official Apple announcements
