In a move that could significantly transform the integration of artificial intelligence into iPhones, Google and Apple are in talks to integrate Gemini, Google’s generative AI platform, into the upcoming major iPhone operating system, iOS 18. A potential agreement, according to Bloomberg, marks a turning point in how big tech companies collaborate in the evolution of AI, potentially redefining the user experience of our devices.
An agreement that takes us by surprise and paints a very, very interesting picture
Gemini, formerly known as Bard, is known for its ability to generate text and images and represents one of Google’s most advanced offerings in the field of AI. According to Bloomberg, Apple is seeking to incorporate these cloud-based artificial intelligence capabilities into its next software update, highlighting text and image generation as areas of primary interest. Meanwhile, Apple is also developing its own on-device AI models and capabilities for the release of iOS 18, suggesting a hybrid approach to integrating AI in this update.
Data privacy has become very important. In the context of AI, this is especially relevant when comparing cloud-based model processing to local models. In this context, and thinking about our privacy, we could reserve the most delicate and sensitive tasks to be processed by AI locally on the devices. An approach that minimizes the risks associated with transmitting personal data over the internet to zero, and also provides an additional layer of security by ensuring that our most confidential information never leaves the device.
In the meantime, tasks such as summarizing the content of a website, for example, can take advantage of the power of the cloud. This hybrid approach, which combines the best of both worlds —the power and versatility of cloud models with the security and privacy of local models—, is emerging as a very suitable solution to address privacy concerns that may arise from the use of artificial intelligence.
The negotiation between Google and Apple is still ongoing, and the specific details about under what name this agreement would take shape within the iOS ecosystem remain uncertain. The news comes, furthermore, shortly after Samsung announced a partnership with Google to integrate Gemini into the Galaxy S24, providing summarization capabilities in note-taking and voice recording apps, as well as a generative editing feature for photos.
Google offers three versions of Gemini: Ultra, Pro, and Nano, each designed to meet different levels of processing demand. Gemini Pro, widely used by both first-party and third-party applications, is the model currently powering the free version of gemini.google.com. Meanwhile, Gemini Ultra is reserved for the advanced paid version, offering greater capacity for complex tasks. Gemini Nano, finally, is optimized for on-device tasks, which could be especially relevant for Apple, although as far as we know, local models would be developed by the same company.
Although the agreement has not yet been finalized and may not be announced until WWDC in June, the possibility of Apple opting for Gemini, or even multiple providers including OpenAI, highlights the company’s interest in exploring diverse AI solutions to enhance the iOS experience. An approach that has the potential to significantly improve the functionalities offered by Apple devices and undoubtedly position the company as a key player in the field of AI.
The collaboration between Google and Apple in the development of AI capabilities for iOS 18 could mark a before and after in the industry of mobile technology, not only in terms of software capabilities, but also in how big tech companies, sometimes perceived as rivals, can work together to advance innovation. As AI continues to transform technology, the integration of Gemini into iOS promises to open new possibilities for our iPhones, offering a richer, personalized, and efficient experience. We will see how events unfold.
