Apple and Google are discussing a potential deal to bring Gemini, the search giant’s generative AI, to the iPhone.
Reported by Bloomberg on Monday, the negotiations aim to allow Apple to license Gemini’s AI models for new iPhone features later this year.
While this deal could give Gemini an advantage with billions of potential users, Bloomberg suggests it may indicate Apple’s AI progress isn’t as advanced as expected.
“Apple seems to lag behind rivals in adopting generative AI, partly due to the fast pace of innovation. The timing of its annual developer conference in the summer and product releases in the fall creates a gap in the AI competition,” said Paul Schell, an analyst at ABI Research.
However, Apple hasn’t been idle in AI development. “Apple has been actively enhancing its on-device generative AI and acquiring companies like DarwinAI,” noted Schell.
“Additionally, Apple has a Machine Learning Research division focused on improving its AI capabilities, and Tim Cook has discussed generative AI in anticipation of iOS 18,” he added.