yalcinsonat1
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in discussions to fit Google’s artificial intelligence model Gemini into the iPhone, Bloomberg News reported citing people with knowledge of the matter.
The two tech giants are in talks to let Apple license the Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL) unit’s AI model Gemini to power some new features which would come to the iPhone software in 2024, the report added.
Recently, Apple was also in talks with Microsoft (MSFT)-backed OpenAI and has considered using its AI model, the report noted.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple is preparing new capabilities as part of the iPhone’s upcoming operating system iOS 18. However, these updates will be focused on features which operate on its devices, rather than ones provided through cloud. So Apple is looking for a partner for generative AI, including features such creating images and written content based on prompts.
The companies have not decided on the terms of the potential AI agreement, and the report noted that it was unlikely that any deal would be announced until June, when Apple intends to hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. It is also possible that an agreement is not reached or that Apple may choose another partner, the report noted.
Since early last year, Apple has been evaluating its own large language model, or LLM, known as codenamed Ajax. Certain employees also have been testing a basic chatbot called Apple GPT, according to the report.
Apple has been slower in rolling out generative AI compared to competitors such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Google, which have been building these AI models into their products.
At Apple’s (AAPL) shareholder meeting last month, CEO Tim Cook said the company would disclose more about its generative AI plans later this year, noting that iPhone maker sees “incredible breakthrough potential” for the technology.
A further collaboration between Apple and Google could draw the attention of regulators. The two already have an agreement which allows Google to be the default search engine on Apple’s Safari web browser.
This deals for the search feature is already under scrutiny in a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice, which has alleged that Google pays over $10B a year to maintain its position as the default search engine on internet browsers and mobile devices, thereby curbing competition.
The search engine collaboration is also under fire in the EU.
In January it was reported that Google collaborated with Samsung (Samsung) to deploy several generative AI powered products in the South Korean company’s new Galaxy S24 series of smartphones.