Mark Gurman of Bloomberg says Apple is in talks with Google to include the Gemini AI engine on the iPhone as part of iOS 18. In a report citing people familiar with the matter, Gurman says the two companies are in “active negotiations” to let Apple license Google’s generative language models in order to power some of the new features that will debut in iOS 18.
What is
Gemini?
Gemini is the name of Google’s artificial intelligence engine, based on large-scale generative language models. With just a command or a question, these models can create text, images and other content. For example, Gemini can use the description “a dragon” to create an image of a dragon, or take the question “what is global warming?” and write an essay on the topic.
Why does Apple need
Gemini?
With iOS 18 coming later this year, Apple plans to add significant new AI capabilities to the iPhone operating system. But the company is focusing on on-device features that do not need an internet connection. Apple is looking for a partner that already has the necessary hardware infrastructure and computing power in place to enable additional cloud-based features, such as the ability to generate images and write essays from a simple prompt.
What are the benefits and challenges
of an Apple – Google partnership?
An Apple–Google partnership could benefit both sides. For Apple, it would provide access to cutting-edge technology that could improve the iPhone user experience and differentiate it from competitors. For Google, it would increase exposure and revenue from iPhone users, who are seen as a valuable market segment.
On the other hand, a partnership would also bring challenges. Privacy is one issue, since Apple is known for protecting user data, while Google has faced criticism for storing and using data for advertising purposes. Competition is another concern, as Apple and Google are rivals in several areas, including virtual assistants, cloud services and mobile operating systems.
What is the current state of negotiations
between Apple and Google?
Gurman’s report says the two sides have not yet agreed on the terms or structure of an AI deal. They also have not decided how such an agreement would be implemented. If the talks do not lead to a deal, Apple may look to other generative AI providers, such as OpenAI, or work with multiple partners.
If the talks do result in an agreement, it could help offset any losses caused by regulatory pressure on the companies’ current search deal. For years, Google has paid Apple billions of dollars to keep its search engine as the default choice in the Safari browser on Apple devices, but the US Department of Justice and the European Commission are reviewing this agreement because of concerns it helps Google maintain its search monopoly.
