According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is looking to work with Google on a large deal to use Gemini AI models to implement iPhone functions. This would put Google in a dominant position, as the company already has a deal with Apple to become the preferred search engine provider for the Safari browser on the iPhone.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication said Apple is looking to license Google’s artificial intelligence technology in order to introduce AI features in an iOS update later this year. In addition, according to Bloomberg, the company has also discussed the possibility of using the GPT model with OpenAI.
Apple is under tremendous pressure to keep up with competitors in the field of artificial intelligence, such as OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic, and even Google. In February this year, Apple CEO Cook said that the company would launch Gen-AI capabilities “later this year.”
The company’s job listings from last year indicate that Apple is developing a variety of internal and external tools powered by generative artificial intelligence. However, discussions about leveraging third-party AI technology means Apple is not making the progress it expected with its own AI.
Apple’s own model may power some on-device features in the upcoming iOS 18 software update – expected to be announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. However, the company is exploring working with external providers to develop generative AI use cases, such as image creation and helping users write.
