Model WarsJune 8, 2026via Apple Machine Learning
Introducing the Third Generation of Apple’s Foundation Models
Why it matters
Apple is making a major architectural pivot for Apple Intelligence, moving to a new family of proprietary foundation models developed with Google. This signals a shift in how Apple competes in the AI stack—trading reliance on third parties for vertically integrated, privacy-first models spanning on-device to server inference.
Key signals
- Third generation of Apple Foundation Models (AFM)
- Family of five foundation models
- Built in collaboration with Google
- Span on-device to server-based models
- Server models run on Private Cloud Compute
- Privacy-first architecture
- Powering next generation of Apple Intelligence and new Siri
The hook
Apple just shipped its third-gen foundation models. Five custom models. Built with Google. And they're betting everything on on-device + private cloud compute.
Our next generation of Apple Intelligence is centered around our users, integrated deeply into our operating systems, and powered by a bold new architecture with privacy at its core.
At the heart of this architecture is our third generation of Apple Foundation Models (AFM), a family of five foundation models custom-built in collaboration with Google. These span from on-device models to server-based models running on Private Cloud Compute.
Apple Foundation Models are built to unlock a wide range of helpful experiences for our users, like an entirely new Siri and intelligent tools that make…