9 hours ago
3
Apple is extending Private Cloud Compute to Google Cloud, marking the first time the AI processing system will run outside the company’s own data centres.
The deployment will use Nvidia Blackwell GPUs with Confidential Computing to support server-side inference for Apple Foundation Models. According to Apple, the system is intended for tasks that require more computing capacity, including tool use and reasoning.
The announcement follows Apple’s earlier collaboration with Google on the next generation of Apple Foundation Models. Apple said the work uses technologies behind Google’s Gemini family of models. The company also discussed the next generation of Apple Intelligence during its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Nvidia said its GPUs will support server-side inference for Apple Foundation Models, which Apple and Google built using technologies behind Google’s Gemini family of models.
The next generation of Apple Foundation Models spans on-device and cloud-based systems. Apple uses PCC for AI workloads that are more complex than on-device models can handle.
PCC on Google Cloud
Private Cloud Compute was introduced in 2024 as Apple’s cloud-based system for processing AI requests that require more computing power than a device can provide. Until now, it has operated only on Apple-controlled infrastructure.
The Google Cloud deployment will use security patterns similar to those used on Apple silicon, even though the infrastructure is hosted outside Apple’s own data centres.
PCC security model
Apple said PCC’s core security model will remain in place as it expands to Google Cloud. The model includes stateless computation, no privileged runtime access, and non-targetability. It also uses enforceable guarantees and verifiable transparency.
Nvidia’s Confidential Computing technology adds hardware-based protections for AI workloads. It isolates workloads in trusted execution environments during processing and allows systems to verify cryptographically that the server environment has not been altered before sensitive data is sent.
The expanded PCC infrastructure will also use Intel CPUs with Trust Domain Extensions, known as TDX, and Google’s Titan chip.
PCC on Google Cloud combines confidential inference technologies in a Google Cloud deployment. Apple said the system includes transparency measures for external security researchers.
Verification and research access
To reduce supply chain risks, Apple maintains a cryptographically verifiable, append-only ledger of Google Cloud hardware used in the PCC fleet. Software attestation for sensitive components relies on at least two roots of trust from independent vendors.
Apple devices will only trust PCC software that has been cryptographically approved by the company. Apple said it will retain control over that software regardless of where the infrastructure is hosted.
Apple plans to publish all PCC binaries for public inspection and provide research tools through the Apple Security Bounty programme. Researchers will be able to access live PCC nodes operating in research mode.
Apple said it will share more technical details about PCC on Google Cloud at the Confidential Computing Summit later this month. The company also plans to update its PCC Security Guide and research programme details later this year.
The deployment with Google and Nvidia is currently available in preview. Apple said additional PCC protections will be added during the summer period.
Apple and Google
The work follows a multi-year agreement signed by Apple and Google in January 2026. The agreement covers the use of Google’s AI models and cloud infrastructure for Apple consumer devices.
Apple and Google have also worked together on AI infrastructure. In 2024, Apple began using Google’s Tensor Processing Units to train AI models.
Reports in March 2026 said Apple and Google had discussed using Google’s AI and cloud infrastructure to support the next version of Siri. Apple has also been reported to be developing its own server chips.
(Photo by Andras Vas)
See also: Anthropic explores Microsoft Maia chips for cloud compute
Want to learn more about Cloud Computing from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is part of TechEx and is co-located with other leading technology events, click here for more information.
Cloud Computing News is powered by TechForge Media. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars here.