In a recent report by TechCrunch, Apple is said to be exploring a partnership with Google to leverage the Gemini AI model for features on iPhone. This move could potentially put Google in a commanding position, as it already has a deal with Apple as the preferred search engine provider on iPhones for the Safari browser.
Apple’s interest in licensing Google’s AI tech is reportedly to introduce AI-powered features with iOS updates later this year. The company has also held discussions with OpenAI to potentially use GPT models. This comes as Apple faces increasing pressure to catch up with competitors in the AI field such as OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic, and even Google.
Despite Apple’s efforts to develop its own AI, the company is considering leveraging third-party AI tech. This suggests that Apple’s progress in its own AI efforts may not be as advanced as expected. The company’s own models might power some of the on-device features on the upcoming iOS 18 software update, but it is also exploring partnering with an external provider for generative AI use cases such as image creation and helping users with writing.
Google, despite its own set of problems with Gemini, has an advantage in launching smartphone-related features. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Samsung to introduce Gemini-powered AI features on the Galaxy S24 series of devices. Google has also launched these features on its own Pixel series of phones.
This potential partnership between Apple and Google could have significant implications for the future of AI in smartphones. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds and what it could mean for businesses looking to leverage AI in their marketing strategies.