Siri could move to Google Cloud – on Apple's terms
Apple's AI servers are actually not utilized. But the new, Gemini-based Siri probably won't run there. Now there are discussions with Google Cloud.
Siri logo before Google Gemini: Combination in Google's data centers?
(Image: Samuel Boivin / Shutterstock)
As part of its AI collaboration with Google, Apple is planning to move the "new" Siri into the hosting infrastructure of the internet giant's cloud subsidiary. Corresponding reports emerged earlier, and now they seem to be intensifying. According to the IT trade magazine The Information, which is published in Silicon Valley, the switch to Google Cloud is to be accelerated.
Google has been a cloud provider for Apple for years
A two-stage process is apparently planned: First, a simplified Google Gemini model will run on Apple's own private cloud compute servers based on M-chips, with iOS 27, macOS 27 and Co. and the new "Chatbot Siri" then switching to Google's cloud servers with Tensor architecture and the latest Gemini model. Apple has asked Google to investigate how Siri could be run in Google's data centers – under Apple's data protection conditions. Such a cooperation would not be new: Apple's iCloud infrastructure has been running in Google Cloud facilities for many years, as well as at Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS. According to The Information, Google Cloud is also used for Apple's AI training.
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At the same time, Apple has always tried to operate as many of its own data centers as possible, but has never completely abandoned its cloud providers. What will become of Private Cloud Compute remains to be seen. According to the report, Apple's AI servers are currently not utilized at all. Apparently, only 10 percent of the existing PCC capacity is needed. This also means that some of the AI servers produced for the company are reportedly still in storage and have not been installed. However, it is conceivable that this could change quickly with a successful launch of the new Siri. Furthermore, there are said to be problems keeping the devices up-to-date, as Apple is solely responsible for the software.
Apple is not a hyperscaler
In contrast to the major hyperscalers, Apple has only invested "peanuts" in its own data centers and is therefore dependent on partners. The company prefers to rent capacity. This could have been a smart decision, at least in the event of a potential bursting of the AI bubble, according to analysts – others, however, see this restraint as a major mistake.
It remains unclear how Apple intends to preserve data and privacy protection in Google's data centers. To use the latest Gemini models, the company cannot rely on its own hardware and must use Google's TPUs. How a form of PCC can be implemented there – or at least a leak-free Siri – remains to be seen. Apple has consistently emphasized internally in connection with the Gemini collaboration that this will have no impact on its privacy promise.
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