what you need to know
- There are reports that Apple is currently in talks with Google to apply its Gemini AI model to its iPhone software.
- Gemini will bring multiple on-device generative AI features to Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 later this year.
- If true, the report suggests an official announcement could come during WWDC in June.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is beginning to work with Google to integrate Gemini into the foundation of its iPhone software. According to people familiar with the matter, a series of Gemini models will be integrated into the generative artificial intelligence capabilities currently being developed by Apple for the iPhone.
According to reports, these new Gemini-powered features will be available for Apple’s iOS 18 software, which will arrive on iPhone later in 2024. The publication adds that these “enhancements” will further enhance Apple’s intention to create on-device Gen AI capabilities.
Such products will include AI-based image creation and “essay writing based on simple prompts.”
The report adds that Apple has been testing its own LLM (large language model), called “Ajax,” since “early last year.” The company also tested its own artificial intelligence chatbot, “Apple GPT,” but sources said the software was still “inferior” to Google’s. Additionally, sources said Apple had been in talks with OpenAI about using its software, but seemed to be leaning toward Google.
As Bloomberg points out, Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously used OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but said “many issues need to be worked out.” Cook will also bring Apple’s version of artificial intelligence capabilities to the iPhone “thoughtfully.”
Given that this artificial intelligence possibility seems to be consistent with iOS 18, it is speculated that it could be officially announced as early as June during WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference).
Android Central has reached out to Apple and Google for comment on the rumored AI collaboration but has yet to receive a response in time. We will update this article once we have more information.
It makes sense that Apple might seek to partner with Google on AI, as Android Central’s Jerry Hildenbrand once suggested, “if company executives don’t want to spend billions on R&D Billion dollars, or hiring people who already understand AI Once that’s done, it could simply partner with Google or someone else, like Samsung has done, and let the heavy lifting be done in Mountain View or elsewhere.”
While Apple seems likely to have more confidence in Google’s Gemini model, Cook’s comments on AI issues should also extend to its potential partners. After facing backlash, Google in February disabled Gemini’s ability to create images based on user prompts. Users found that the bot was wildly inaccurate when giving hints about historical groups.
At the same time, it remains to be seen whether Google and Apple’s artificial intelligence collaboration will bring more capabilities. The former introduces the new “Loop Search” feature, which appeared on the Galaxy S24 series earlier this year. Users can utilize a series of touch gestures to highlight specific items within an image for search via the Google engine.