Apple Considers Integrating Google’s Gemini AI Engine into iPhone

Apple is reportedly discussing integrating Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence engine into the iPhone, as per a report by Bloomberg News citing sources familiar with the matter.

The talks are centered around licensing Gemini to incorporate new features into the iPhone software expected this year. 

However, specifics such as the terms of the agreement, branding, or implementation details have not been finalized.

Timeline and Conference Plans:

Any potential deal will unlikely be announced until June, coinciding with Apple’s annual developer conference. Recently, Apple has also engaged in discussions regarding its model with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

Apple, Alphabet-owned Google, and OpenAI have yet to respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. Alphabet shares rose 3% in premarket U.S. trading, while Apple’s increased 0.5%.

Potential Benefits and Regulatory Considerations:

A partnership between Apple and Google could expand the reach of Google’s AI services to over 2 billion active Apple devices, aiding Google’s efforts to compete with Microsoft-backed OpenAI. However, such an agreement could attract regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning antitrust issues.

Google and Apple have a longstanding partnership. Google is the default search engine on Apple’s Safari web browser. This potential AI tie-up might help Google navigate concerns about its dominance in search.

Samsung Collaboration and Apple’s AI Investments:

In January, Google partnered with Samsung to deploy its genAI technology in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series of smartphones. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently mentioned significant investments in generative AI and hinted at revealing more about its plans later this year.

Apple reportedly plans to utilize its own AI models for new capabilities in iOS 18 but seeks a partner for genAI features, including functions for image creation and essay writing based on simple prompts.