(Reuters) – Apple is in talks to incorporate Google's Gemini artificial intelligence engine into the iPhone, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the situation.
Apple also recently held talks with Microsoft-backed OpenAI and is considering using its model, the report added.
Apple is preparing new features as part of the upcoming iPhone iOS 18 based on self-developed AI models, but generative AI features such as the ability to create images or write essays based on simple prompts The report said the company is looking for partners to strengthen its operations.
Bloomberg said the two sides have not decided on the terms or branding of the AI pact, nor have they made a final decision on how it will be implemented, and that it will not be finalized until June, when Apple plans to hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. It added that it was unlikely that a deal would be announced.
Apple, Google and OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment outside business hours.
Apple has been slower to deploy generative AI, which can generate human-like responses to written prompts, than rivals Microsoft and Google, which are building it into their products.
Last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company would provide more details later this year about its plans to leverage generative AI, adding that the company is investing “significantly” in the area. He added that he is doing so.
Apple and Google already have a deal that makes Google the default search engine for Apple's Safari web browser.
But the United States and its allies argue that Google has illegally stifled competition by paying billions of dollars to Apple and other business partners to make its search engine the default on most mobile phones and web browsers. This partnership is subject to regulatory oversight.
Google also partnered with Samsung in January to introduce multiple generative AI technology products to the South Korean company's Galaxy S24 series of smartphones.
(Reporting by Jahnavi Nidumolu in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Janane Venkatraman)
