Apple will be using Google technologies to level up Apple Foundation Models, but the details of exactly how are still vague. While speculation is still wild, a true answer is emerging from the noise.
There is one concrete fact that we have about the Apple and Google partnership on artificial intelligence development, and it is that we're not going to be told more publicly. Apple CEO Tim Cook did say that Apple won't change its privacy stance while working with Google and indicated that Apple Intelligence and Siri will work on-device and via Private Cloud Compute (PCC).
That statement seems cut and dry on its own, but Google CEO Sundar Pichai and CBO Philipp Schindler shared seemingly contradictory statements during the Google earnings call. They both used the phrase "preferred cloud provider" when discussing Google's relationship with Apple.
While speculation has already ramped up about what this phrase might mean, note that it isn't exactly any different from what Google said before. Its original joint statement said "the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology."
Here's Pichai's comment for comparison:
"We are collaborating with Apple as their preferred cloud provider and to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation Models, based on Gemini technology."
Some have taken this to indicate a direct contradiction to what Cook has been saying. However, reporter and leaker Mark Gurman says this could be explained by suggesting Apple defining Apple Intelligence and Siri as two different products.
Simply, Cook is saying Apple Intelligence is going to run on-device and in Private Cloud Compute as a deliberate misdirection from Siri. Which leaves Siri operating on Google cloud TPU servers, something Gurman has reported previously.
I believe this interpretation is incorrect too. It's a little less complicated than it is being made to seem.
All of these statements are true
It's easy to get lost in the desire to find hidden meanings in these companies' messaging, but I offer a much simpler solution. Apple and Google are saying outright what they are doing — analysts are just confusing everyone by trying to paint this deal as a failure for Apple.
The Google and Apple partnership won't get more public detail
Apple says Gemini is the foundation for Apple Foundation Models, which will run on-device and in Private Cloud Compute. Google says the partnership involves having Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini models and cloud technology, with Google being Apple's preferred cloud provider.
Both statements are not exclusive of the other. Combine this with rumors about Apple needing more powerful server technology for iOS 27 and its AI upgrades and Apple Intelligence being trained with Google Tensor hardware already, and we've got a full picture.
Let's combine it all together:
Apple and Google have partnered to utilize a version of Gemini built to run on Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers to train Apple Foundation Models and make them more capable. The resulting Apple Foundation Models will power Apple Intelligence and Siri both on-device and in Private Cloud Compute, and those servers will be either Apple's or Google's while upholding Apple's privacy standards.
Just like Apple uses Google cloud servers for iCloud, Apple will inevitably use Google Tensor servers on lease for some Private Cloud Compute operations. There is no reason why Apple couldn't provide users with the same guarantees as Private Cloud Compute while leasing the server from Google.
That said, Apple's current definition of a PCC server involves Apple Silicon and the ability to use a Secure Enclave and Secure Boot. Perhaps Apple could install Apple Silicon as a go-between for cryptography while passing the data back and forth privately with the Google TPU.
Apple's guarantees with PCC are so blatant that they'd be in danger of a lawsuit if it were ever discovered that user data wasn't being sent to a true PCC server. Cook's statements leave no wiggle room here, especially since all signs point to Apple replacing Siri's backend with Apple Foundation Models.
Pay close attention to Apple's final reveal of the new Siri and Apple Intelligence for iOS 26.4 and then iOS 27. The language surrounding those technologies will tell us what we need to know.
Until then, it's all speculative.
