Apple may use Google's Gemini neural network in the next generation iPhone

The next generation of iPhone, set to be unveiled this fall, could use Google's AI-powered Gemini neural network, Bloomberg reports, noting that Google and Apple are in active talks to license Gemini to Apple for use on the devices.

Apple recently held similar discussions with OpenAI, hoping to leverage the startup's successful artificial intelligence efforts.

Google and Apple have a long history of cooperation. Google pays Apple because the Safari browser on many Apple devices uses Google's search engine by default. However, there are still no clear agreements regarding the prospects for using Gemini.

Apple is preparing special artificial intelligence functions of its own design for its devices. Moreover, Apple's own chatbots and other ongoing developments lag behind third-party solutions in terms of efficiency and accuracy, according to informed sources. In particular, Apple has been testing its own large language model, Ajax, since early last year. Some employees also tried Apple's core chatbot GPT.

According to Bloomberg, against this background, Apple needs a platform that runs in the cloud, and cooperation with Google in this area is simply beneficial for the company. The deal is also beneficial for Google, as there are currently more than 2 billion Apple devices in use worldwide. Rival Samsung also avoided reinventing the wheel and announced in January that Google Gemini would be used in its next-generation smartphones.

The only thing that could overshadow the possible cooperation between Apple and Google in this area is the attention of regulators. In any case, the US Department of Justice is already investigating the fact of cooperation between Apple and Google in the use of the search engine. European officials also have complaints about Apple in this area. If certain new arrangements are reached with Google, Apple is unlikely to make an announcement until June, when it hosts its WWDC 2024 developer conference.