Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is currently engaged in discussions with Google regarding the integration of the Gemini artificial intelligence engine into the iPhone. This revelation emerges amidst Apple’s contemplation of collaborating with OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT.

Apple and Google have long maintained a search partnership, with Alphabet annually compensating Apple for employing its search engine as the default option in the Safari browser. This potential collaboration would extend Gemini’s reach to billions of users, underscoring Apple’s exploration of external alternatives amidst its AI development endeavors.

While Apple has plans for AI-driven features within iOS 18, focusing primarily on on-device functionalities, discussions with Google signify a reliance on external expertise for cloud-based AI capabilities. This reliance suggests that Apple’s proprietary AI technologies, including the codenamed Ajax model and Apple GPT, are yet to match competitors’ standards.

Gemini, although promising, faced scrutiny due to inaccuracies in racial queries. However, Google’s commitment to rectifying such issues underscores the potential benefits of integrating its AI engine into Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted at a significant AI announcement in 2024, emphasizing a meticulous approach to incorporating AI features into Apple’s platforms. This aligns with the company’s strategy of enhancing user experiences through AI while mitigating potential liabilities associated with in-house AI development.

The potential collaboration between Apple and Google, rooted in their longstanding search partnership, reflects a pivotal moment in the AI industry. However, the terms of the agreement, including branding and implementation details, remain undisclosed.

As Apple gears up for its product introduction event, expectations soar regarding the integration of Gemini AI into the iPhone ecosystem. The outcome of these negotiations will likely redefine the landscape of AI utilization in consumer technology, with implications extending beyond software functionality to regulatory scrutiny and market dynamics.

The potential integration of Gemini AI into the iPhone represents a convergence of technological giants’ capabilities, heralding a new era of AI-driven innovation in consumer electronics.

Source https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-18/apple-in-talks-to-license-google-gemini-for-iphone-ios-18-generative-ai-tools