Google will integrate the company’s AI Gemini into iPhones

Bloomberg revealed that Apple plans to partner with Google for a major deal that would allow it to use the Gemini AI model to enhance iPhone features. This move would give Google a strong edge, given its existing agreement with Apple as Safari’s preferred search engine provider on iPhones.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple is considering licensing Google’s AI technology to add AI-driven features in upcoming iOS updates later this year. Bloomberg also reported that Apple has talked with OpenAI about potentially using GPT models.

These announcements come as Apple faces increasing pressure to compete with rivals like OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic, and Google in the AI realm. As a response, in February, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced plans to roll out Gen-AI features “later this year.” Apple’s job postings over the past year indicate that the company is developing various tools using generative AI. However, considering discussions about utilising third-party AI technology, it seems that Apple’s own AI projects haven’t advanced as anticipated.

It is expected that Apple’s own models could fuel certain on-device features in the upcoming iOS 18 software update, however, features like these are typically revealed at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June. Yet, Apple is also considering teaming up with an external provider for generative AI applications like image creation and assisting users with writing.

The deal could be mutually beneficial. Recently, Google has been facing issues with its Gemini AI model. They had to halt the image-generation feature due to historical inaccuracies. Google CEO Sundar Pichai criticised Gemini’s responses as “completely unacceptable.” Additionally, Google announced the blockage of election-related queries on Gemini worldwide. However, users found ways to bypass these restrictions by introducing typos in their queries.