Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to integrate Google’s Gemini AI engine into the iPhone. This comes as Apple continues to demonstrate its dedication to developing artificial intelligence.
While Apple and Google are viewed as competitors in the smartphone market, they have previously collaborated, with Google paying Apple billions of dollars annually to remain the default search engine on Apple devices. Apple is also said to have engaged in discussions with OpenAI regarding a potential collaboration.
According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, renowned for his accurate reporting on Apple, the negotiations between Apple and Google are ongoing. Apple aims to license Google’s generative Gemini AI models and incorporate Gemini features into the iPhone later this year.
The name and specific details of the Gemini integration have not yet been finalized. Despite the lack of official confirmation from Apple or Google, the news has already had an impact on the stock market, with Alphabet shares rising over 7% and Apple’s stock increasing by over 2%.
If successful, the partnership between Apple and Google could give Gemini a substantial advantage by reaching billions of potential users. However, this collaboration may also attract further anti-trust scrutiny from regulators, as it indicates that Apple’s AI efforts may not be as advanced as expected.
Apple’s focus on developing a large language model for generative AI is noteworthy. While other companies have relied on server-side operations for AI features, Apple prioritizes technologies that can be run entirely on devices. Google has recently introduced AI-powered features to Android devices, but Apple may leverage Gemini through cloud-based applications to generate images from text prompts.
Google Gemini faced initial controversy upon its launch due to accusations of being biased and promoting certain ideologies. Google’s CEO addressed these concerns promptly and assured users that the issues would be addressed. Despite this, there are potential concerns that an AI agreement between Apple and Google may intensify the existing regulatory scrutiny faced by their search engine deal from the US Department of Justice.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has expressed the company’s commitment to AI technology, hinting at the potential introduction of generative AI features on Apple devices later this year. While this partnership with Google could fulfill that promise, it is worth noting that Apple may still incorporate AI features developed on non-Apple technology.
Apple’s stakeholders eagerly await advancements in AI, and it appears that their wait may soon be over. If all goes well, the Apple and Google partnership could be announced at Apple’s WWDC event in June, providing further clarity on the future of AI on Apple devices.