Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that he is pleased with the company’s growing partnership with Apple, calling it an important step for Google’s cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. Speaking during Google’s fourth quarter earnings call, Sundar Pichai said that he is pleased to collaborate with Apple “as their preferred cloud provider” and that the two companies are working together on the next generation of Apple Foundation Models using Google’s Gemini technology. “I’m pleased that we are collaborating with Apple as their preferred cloud provider and to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation models based on Gemini technology. Up next, YouTube. I want to highlight four points. First, streaming,” Pichai said during the earnings call.

Google–Apple partnership to power Siri

Last month, Google-Apple announced a multi-year partnership (reportedly worth $1 billion annually) to power its next-generation Siri features with Gemini. Issuing a joint statement, the companies said “Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.”

“After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple’s industry-leading privacy standards,” the statement further stated.

Google AI CEO Demis Hassabis says he is very proud of Apple partnership

Days after the Google-Apple deal, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said he’s proud that Gemini came out on top after Apple put multiple AI providers through a thorough evaluation. During an interview with Alex Health, Hassabis added that Google has ideas for efficient AI models that could work well on edge devices like phones and even in robotics.