After OpenAI, Apple Turns to Google's Gemini to Integrate Generative AI into iPhone

Apple is in talks to build Google’s Gemini engine into the iPhone, reported Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. The two firms are actively in talks for Apple to license Gemini, Google's collection of generative AI models, to enhance upcoming features in the iPhone software.

Apple plans to introduce fresh functionalities in iOS 18, the upcoming version of the iPhone operating system, using its proprietary AI models. However, these improvements will concentrate on features that work locally on its devices, as opposed to those provided through cloud services. 

Reports suggest iOS 18 will incorporate generative AI technology to boost Siri and the Messages app’s capabilities in answering questions and auto-completing sentences. Apple is also reportedly considering generative AI for apps like Apple Music, Pages, Keynote, and Xcode. 

Therefore, Apple is looking for a collaborator to handle the complex tasks associated with generative AI, such as generating images and writing essays based on basic prompts. Apple has also had recent discussions with OpenAI and has been considering the use of its model.

Last year, Google introduced Gemini Nano, an LLM specifically built for edge use cases. Prior to partnering with Apple, Google also collaborated with Samsung to introduce Gemini in the Galaxy S24.

Apple Goes Big on Generative AI 

Apple recently published a new paper unveiling MM1, a new family of multimodal AI models — with the largest at 30B parameters. Furthermore, it  recently  quietly acquired an AI startup, Canada’s Darwin AI. The company specialises in machine vision intelligence, smart manufacturing, improving machine learning efficiency, and edge-based intelligence.

Apple may have been slow when it comes to adoption of generative AI when compared to other big tech companies, however the company has been steadily progressing, in a secretive way. 

“I won’t delve into specifics, as our policy is to keep development details confidential but rest assured we are heavily invested in this area,” said Apple chief, Tim Cook, during the Q3 earnings call last year. Apple is also planning to bring generative AI to its voice-assistant Siri.