MacVoices

MacVoices #26041: Live! - What Gemini Means for Apple Intelligence; No Copilot Off Switch

Jan 30, 2026
Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, an educator championing innovative learning; Marty Jencius, a counseling professor and podcaster active in tech; and Eric Bolden, a tech podcaster focused on macOS and VisionOS discuss Apple’s choice to use Google’s Gemini for Siri. They debate privacy and control, how Gemini might integrate with Apple systems, and contrast Apple’s approach with Microsoft’s Copilot that offers no opt-out.
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INSIGHT

Google Partnership Feels Pragmatic

  • Apple leaning on Google for Gemini feels safer privacy-wise than other vendor pairings according to some panelists.
  • Chuck Joiner argues Google's scale and relationship with Apple may make this partnership more responsible than OpenAI with Microsoft.
INSIGHT

Apple Keeps Control Over Model Use

  • Marty Jencius highlights Apple will run Gemini models within Apple-controlled privacy and security boundaries.
  • He expects Apple to adapt Gemini's brain trust while keeping data inside the Apple ecosystem.
ADVICE

Treat Gemini As A Replaceable Component

  • Eric Bolden recommends viewing Gemini as a snap-in that Apple can replace when they build better models.
  • He advises users can opt out and continue using local models for features like photo search.
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