Katarzyna Petru
Until recently, 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 part of the 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 approached Google with a request to investigate the possibility of running servers for the future version of Siri on Google Cloud infrastructure. Until now, Apple has emphasised that data processing within Apple Intelligence occurs locally on the device or within Private Cloud Compute in a cloud based on Apple Silicon servers. Now it appears that its own resources may not be sufficient. Interestingly, sources indicate that only about 10% of the computing power of Private Cloud Compute is being utilised, 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 could 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 not have fully appreciated. For the new Siri to compete with chatbots and assistants based on large language models, it requires immense computing power. This is primarily held by cloud providers today, such as Google and Amazon. Importantly, Sundar Pichai confirmed during an Alphabet conference call that Google is collaborating with Apple as a "preferred cloud provider" in the development of Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini. Meanwhile, Tim Cook publicly maintains that user data will continue to be processed on-device and in Private Cloud Compute.
Privacy Under Pressure
Collaboration with Google is not in itself anything extraordinary; Apple has been using external providers for years. The problem lies in the image. The company markets its devices as uncompromising in terms of privacy. If at least part of Siri's processing ends up in Google's infrastructure, Apple will need to explain very precisely how it secures user data and whether it retains full control over its processing.
Gemini in Siri is not only a technological update, but a potential change in Apple's philosophy regarding AI. If the reports are confirmed, Siri may in the future utilise 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
