Google defends its publisher‑pay model as Apple eyes usage‑based fees for Siri

Google told the press it remains committed to the established system of paying news publishers, even as Apple explores a radically different approach that would link payments to how often its AI assistant, Siri, draws on a outlet’s reporting.

What the two tech giants are doing

According to City AM, Google’s licensing framework already covers more than 5,500 European press publishers, with additional compensation when protected content appears in its AI Overviews and AI Mode. The company also runs the Google News Showcase programme, which reaches roughly 2,800 publications across 33 countries and continues to sign new agreements.

Apple, by contrast, is said to be preparing multiyear contracts that would reward outlets based on the frequency their stories are surfaced by Siri. The Wall Street Journal reported that the iPhone maker has earmarked a budget running into the hundreds of millions of dollars for such payments.

Why the payment model matters

AI‑powered assistants need up‑to‑date, reliable information, and publishers are keen to be compensated for the data that fuels those services. A guaranteed‑fee structure, like Google’s, offers certainty but may not reflect the actual value of a story’s reach. Apple’s usage‑based proposal promises higher upside for widely cited reporting, yet it introduces volatility for outlets that receive fewer queries.

Apple has discussed paying outlets according to how often their journalism is actually used by Siri.

OpenAI has taken a third route, forging individual agreements with major media groups such as News Corp and Axel Springer, showing that the industry is experimenting with multiple payment formulas.

What could happen next

If Apple finalises its usage‑based model, publishers may need to adapt their content strategies to maximise visibility on Siri, potentially reshaping editorial priorities. Google is likely to double‑down on its current licensing network, positioning itself as the more predictable partner for news organisations. The competing approaches could spur broader negotiations across the sector as more tech firms integrate news feeds into their AI products.

Both companies are watching the market closely, and the outcome will influence how journalists are remunerated in an AI‑driven media landscape.