Zheng Quan Ri Bao·2026-01-13 16:49Core Insights - Apple and Google have announced a multi-year partnership where Apple's next-generation foundational model will utilize Google's Gemini model and Google Cloud infrastructure, with the first application being an updated version of Siri expected to launch later this year [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration marks a significant shift in Apple's AI strategy, opting to leverage external technology while integrating its own experience, creating a unique "Apple layer" on top of third-party AI capabilities [3] - Apple is reportedly set to pay $1 billion annually for the foundational support of Gemini AI for Siri, with the new version of Siri targeted for release in spring 2026 [3] Group 2: Market Context - Apple's revenue in Greater China for Q4 FY2025 was $14.493 billion, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 3.6%, making it the only region to experience negative growth globally [4] - Domestic competitors are gaining market share with high-cost performance products, putting pressure on Apple, which has not yet established a clear advantage in AI features compared to Chinese rivals [4] - The success of the new Siri in the Chinese market will be critical for assessing the effectiveness of Apple's AI strategy, as a lack of localized and practical smart experiences could hinder customer retention [4]