Apple Eyeing Google Gemini AI For iPhones: Report

Apple reportedly is in discussions with Google to add its Gemini GenAI features to iPhones later this year, specifically the iOS 18 operating system.

Apple is reportedly looking to license Google’s Gemini AI engine for its iPhones with new generative AI features likely coming to the iPhone’s software later this year.

The two technology powerhouses are currently negotiating to let Apple license Google Gemini to power some features coming to the iPhone OS software in 2024, specifically the iOS 18 operating system, according to Bloomberg, which was first to report the news.

Just last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said his company will “break new ground” in 2024 around generative AI.

“Later this year, I look forward to sharing with you the ways we will break new ground in generative AI, another technology we believe can redefine the future,” Cook said during Apple’s annual shareholders meeting. “We see incredible breakthrough potential [with GenAI].”

These Google Gemini enhancements will be focused on GenAI features that operate on iPhones, rather than ones provided through cloud computing, reports said.

“This is a major win for Google to get on to the Apple ecosystem and have access to the golden installed base of Cupertino with clearly a major license fee attached to this,” said Daniel Ives, a Wedbush analyst, in a new report. “For Apple this will give them the foundation and technology blueprint to double down on AI features currently being developed within Apple Park to make sure that iPhone 16 will be a potential game-changer around AI functionality.”

Apple Looks At Google, OpenAI For GenAI

Apple is reportedly looking for a partner for generative AI for its iPhones to include features like creating images, videos and written content based on prompts.

In addition to Google Gemini, Apple has held discussions with Microsoft-backed OpenAI and has considered using its GPT models, according to Bloomberg.

Reports indicate that it is unlikely any deal would be unveiled until June, which is when Apple hosts its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Apple is set to unveil its iOS 18, macOS 15, iPad OS18 and software improvements during the conference.

Since 2023, Apple has been developing and evaluating its own large language model (LLM) known as Ajax. Reports say certain Apple employees also have been testing a basic chatbot called Apple GPT.

Google Gemini AI

Becoming generally available earlier this year, Google Gemini is the company’s generative AI portfolio with AI models built from the ground up for multimodality, including reasoning across text, audio, video, images and code.

In February, Google unveiled a new Gemini app on Android and on the Google app on iOS.

“Gemini is evolving to be more than just the models,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a recent blog post. “It supports an entire ecosystem—from the products that billions of people use every day, to the APIs and platforms helping developers and businesses innovate.”

Google recently folded all its Duet AI features inside Google Workspace into the Gemini brand. Launched in 2023, Duet AI helps users draft emails, organize spreadsheets and boost work-related productivity.

Google’s cloud business, Google Cloud, is set to host its large annual IT conference Google Cloud Next from April 9 to April 11, where Google is expected to make AI announcements.