- Apple is forging a deal with Google for the potential use of the Gemini generative artificial intelligence (genAI) in iOS 18 compatible devices.
- The grand reveal is expected at Apple’s annual conference for developers in June.
iPhones Could Get Gemini AI
Apple and Google may be into something big. The two tech titans are reportedly in talks regarding the potential integration of the search giant’s generative artificial intelligence, Gemini, into the latest iPhone software.
According to Bloomberg, the companies are already ironing out a licensing deal covering the iPhone features that will specifically benefit from the genAI tech. The terms, branding, and implementation of the deal are not yet decided.
The source expects the particulars of the agreement to be finalized by June. The second half of the year could also mark the official announcement of the joint venture, which would fall just in time for Apple’s annual conference for developers.
CEO Tim Cook has been hinting at Apple “significantly” investing in generative AI as of late. He added that more details about it will be revealed this year. There are speculations that the iOS 18 will serve as the launchpad of this innovation.
So far, Apple and Google remain mum on the matter. Nonetheless, if this bears fruit, it would allow the company headed by CEO Sundar Pichai to expand its reach to over two billion active Apple devices. It could likewise boost the ailing sales of the Cook-led company, which has lost 10% in the price of its shares this year.
Apple and OpenAI Partnership
The rumor mill has it that the people in Apple approached the Sam Altman-helmed OpenAI about a possible partnership for the latter’s genAI, too. But then again, this will unlikely materialize into anything as the famous maker of ChatGPT has Apple’s age-old rival, Microsoft, as its largest investor.
As the adage says, “Never say never.” However, the Apple and Google deal has better chances of succeeding at this point because they are no longer strangers at working together. One of the major multi-year deals they inked was the utilization of Google’s tech as the default search engine of Apple’s native web browser, Safari.
Regulatory Issues
Investors and analysts alike are worried about potentially fueling further probe into Google’s claimed breach of antitrust laws in the US. It should be recalled that the company was sued by regulators last year for allegedly paying billions to Apple and other businesses to keep its search engine as the default platform used by their browsers.
Another exclusive deal with Apple may magnify Google in the US regulators’ sights, which could result in more trouble than the company already has.