Apple is reportedly in discussions with Google to incorporate the Gemini artificial intelligence engine into its iPhone lineup, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Alongside this, there have been talks with OpenAI, the developers behind ChatGPT, indicating a potential shift in Apple’s AI strategy.
The partnership between Apple and Google, known for their longstanding search agreement, could signal a significant development in the AI industry. Google pays Apple substantial sums annually to have its search engine featured as the default option on Safari, raising questions about potential antitrust implications of this new collaboration.
Gemini’s integration into the iPhone platform would provide Google access to billions of users, but it also suggests that Apple may not be as advanced in AI development as previously thought. This move may invite further scrutiny from antitrust regulators, especially considering ongoing legal challenges regarding Google’s search partnership with Apple.
While Apple is working on AI features for iOS 18, they primarily focus on device-based functionalities rather than cloud services. Thus, partnering with Google or OpenAI for generative AI capabilities like image creation and text generation seems to be the chosen path for now.
Gemini, however, has faced controversies, such as generating inaccurate race-related queries, prompting Google to suspend certain functionalities. Despite this, Apple seems keen on leveraging external AI models, possibly to expedite its AI initiatives.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted at a significant AI announcement in 2024, suggesting that the integration of Gemini or other AI models could be part of this unveiling. Utilizing third-party AI features could also mitigate Apple’s liability, according to sources familiar with the situation.
As discussions between Apple and Google progress, the specifics of the agreement, including terms, branding, and implementation methods, remain undisclosed. Nevertheless, if finalized, this collaboration could reshape the landscape of AI integration in consumer devices, potentially setting new standards for innovation and user experience.
The potential incorporation of Gemini into Apple’s ecosystem highlights the growing importance of AI in technology development and underscores the complexities of navigating partnerships in the competitive tech industry.
Source : https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-18/apple-in-talks-to-license-google-gemini-for-iphone-ios-18-generative-ai-tools
