Apple and Google are going to be in the same room at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2026, and not as rivals. The two companies have spent decades building competing ecosystems and positioning themselves as opposites. Surprisingly, they're now partners. Here's how it happened.
A partnership that could redefine Siri
Apple and Google made a joint statement earlier in January announcing a major partnership. The next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be built on Gemini models and Google Cloud infrastructure. Google's artificial intelligence is now the engine running inside Apple's software, which translates to a more personalized Siri and future Apple Intelligence features built on their infrastructure.
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.
WWDC 2026 is where we'll likely see if the partnership is true, with over 1,000 developers, designers, and students making it to Apple Park on the opening day. The event is Apple's own, and happens annually. This year's edition will run from June 8 through June 12, with the main keynote on June 8 at 10AM Eastern Time (ET).
Beyond the keynotes, attendees can watch more than 100 new video sessions on tools, technologies, and design, join Group Labs, and participate in conversations on the Apple Developer Forums. Group Labs cover topics including Apple Intelligence, developer tools, design, graphics and games, and machine learning.
It's been confirmed that they'll stream live on YouTube and Apple's website. We'll probably have our first official look at the iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27. A Platforms State of the Union follows the same day, going deeper into the developer-facing changes, with virtual sessions, live presentations, and group discussions filling out the rest of the week.
Storm clouds over Apple as OpenAI sues
Apple already has a working relationship Sam LatOpenAI, which was established in 2024. ChatGPT is baked into Siri. Apple’s ecosystem is among the most valuable in consumer technology, and Altman made no secret of how significant that was.
In the past, he's called the Vision Pro the second most impressive technology since the iPhone. He also called the iPhone Air the first upgrade he'd genuinely wanted in years. Then he praised Tim Cook publicly as a legend when Cook stepped down from OpenAI, describing him as a steady leader defined by operational excellence and long-term strategy.
However, the colossal difference with the Apple-Google team up is that ChatGPT integration was more of a feature. Plus, in case you don't already know, OpenAI is reportedly suing Apple.
The ChatGPT integration into Siri and Apple's visual intelligence tools never delivered what OpenAI was promised. Users, who have to specifically ask for ChatGPT, noticed that the tool does not surface proactively and adoption has suffered because of it. OpenAI expected billions from the partnership, which hasn't happened yet.
They're currently consulting with an external law firm to weigh options, with a breach-of-contract claim being the most likely angle.
