‘Google is training a model that could run on Apple’s servers’, as iPhone maker explores …
Apple is reportedly in preliminary talks to license Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) model to power a future version of its Siri voice assistant. According to a report from Bloomberg, the iPhone maker recently approached Google to explore building a custom AI model that would serve as the foundation of the new Siri next year. This potential partnership signals a significant shift for Apple, which has struggled to keep pace in the rapidly evolving field of generative AI.In response, Google has reportedly begun training a model designed to run on Apple’s own servers. The discussions come after a delayed and long-touted upgrade to Siri, which was postponed by a year due to engineering setbacks. This led to an internal leadership shake-up, with software boss Craig Federighi and Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell now overseeing the project.
Apple’s task: To choose between Linwood and Glenwood
According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently holding a “bake-off,” internally testing two different versions of the new Siri: one powered by its own models, and another that runs on outside technology. “Internally, Apple is holding a bake-off to see which approach will work best. The company is simultaneously developing two versions of the new Siri: one dubbed Linwood that is powered by its models and another code-named Glenwood that runs on outside technology,” says the Bloomberg report. The company has also held talks with other major AI players, including Anthropic and OpenAI.This is not the first time the tech rivals have partnered. Google already pays Apple billions of dollars annually to be the default search engine on Apple products. However, that deal is currently under antitrust scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department.Apple remains weeks away from making a final decision on whether to use a third-party partner or stick with its in-house technology.
