Apple could use Google’s Gemini to offer iPhones with generative AI features

The move doesn’t come as a surprise because Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has previously hinted at a significant AI announcement this year, promising transformative features that will push boundaries, and with potential partnerships, it is expected to shape the future of iPhone innovation.

The cited sources have suggested that Apple is in talks with Google and it plans to introduce AI features to iPhone software, which will be powered by Google’s generative AI models. The talks are reportedly underway, although specifics regarding the terms, branding, and implementation of the agreement are yet to be finalized.

If successful, this partnership would expand upon the existing search partnership between Apple and Google, where Google pays billions to be the default search engine on Apple devices. However, it could also attract antitrust scrutiny due to the dominance of both companies in their respective fields.

Apple’s forthcoming iOS 18, the next iteration of its operating system, will introduce new capabilities powered by its own AI models. However, to leverage generative AI capabilities beyond device-bound features, Apple seeks a partner like Google, which has already made strides in this area.

Apple has been testing its own large language model named Ajax and a basic chatbot called Apple GPT. However, the technology is still in its infancy compared to Google’s offerings, making a partnership an attractive option for Apple.

For Google, a deal with Apple would be a significant milestone for Gemini, potentially reaching over 2 billion active Apple devices. Samsung has already integrated Gemini into its smartphones, showcasing its potential reach and impact.

Despite the promising discussions, regulatory concerns loom over the partnership, especially given the ongoing scrutiny of the existing search deal between Apple and Google. Nonetheless, both companies are exploring avenues to navigate regulatory challenges in the evolving AI landscape.

While the talks between Apple and Google are ongoing, no official announcement is expected until Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June. However, alternatives like OpenAI or Anthropic could still be considered by Apple, highlighting the potential for multiple partnerships in the AI domain.