Apple’s next AI move: Google deal, Nvidia chips, and on-device intelligence focus

As Apple prepares for its highly anticipated annual developers' conference, WWDC 2026, excitement is building around potential announcements centered on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recent reports suggest that Apple may unveil significant advancements in AI, leveraging partnerships and cutting-edge technology in the process. New details have emerged regarding Apple's collaboration with Google, indicating that the tech giant is considering the integration of Nvidia chips into its infrastructure. This partnership could mark a pivotal shift towards emphasizing on-device processing, which is expected to be a cornerstone of Apple's forthcoming AI features. According to insights from The Information, Apple's strategy appears to focus more on enhancing its foundational AI technology rather than just showcasing user-facing features. The company is exploring on-device processing capabilities, potentially utilizing a distillation method that employs a variant of Google’s Gemini model to train its own AI systems for iPhones and Macs. To bolster its on-device AI initiatives, Apple is reportedly in discussions with Liquid AI, a company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This move highlights Apple's commitment to developing smaller AI models capable of functioning directly on devices, minimizing reliance on cloud servers. While Apple is pushing to enhance on-device AI performance, it acknowledges that substantial processing demands will still necessitate cloud computing. As a result, Apple may continue to depend on external cloud services, particularly Google Cloud, to manage the heavier workloads. The next iteration of Siri is also expected to utilize Google Cloud, leveraging a licensed version of the Gemini model. In addition to these collaborations, Apple has given the green light for the use of Nvidia's “confidential computing” technology to facilitate cloud-based processing. Despite this, the company plans to maintain its proprietary “Private Cloud Compute” system for upcoming Apple Intelligence features, ensuring a blend of innovation and privacy.