Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources, reported that Apple and Google are actively negotiating for Gemini to develop several new features for this year's iPhone. Additionally, Apple recently held discussions with OpenAI and is considering using their model.

If the deal between Apple and Google materializes, it will build upon the two companies' existing search partnership. For years, Google has paid Apple billions of dollars annually to make its search engine the default option in the Safari web browser on iPhones and other devices. According to sources, the two sides have yet to decide on the terms of the AI ​​agreement or how it will be implemented.

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Apple is preparing new features for iOS 18 based on its own AI model. (Image: Bloomberg)

The deal would give Gemini a significant advantage with billions of potential users. However, it could also be a sign that Apple isn't going as far with its own AI efforts as some had hoped and threatens to draw further antitrust authorities' attention.

Apple is preparing new features for iOS 18 based on its own developed AI models, but those improvements will focus on features that work directly on devices, rather than features delivered via the cloud. Therefore, the company is seeking a generative AI partner to perform complex tasks such as creating images and writing essays based on simple prompts.

Bloomberg reports that Apple has been experimenting with the Ajax big language model since the beginning of last year. Some employees have also tried a basic chatbot called Apple GPT. However, Apple's technology still lags behind tools from Google and other competitors, so collaboration seems like a better option.

From Google's perspective, partnering with Apple would greatly benefit the company's AI efforts. More than 2 billion Apple devices could become home to Gemini by the end of this year. In January, Samsung introduced a new smartphone with Gemini-powered AI features.

Nevertheless, the handshake between the two Silicon Valley giants could attract the attention of regulators. Google's search deal with Apple is currently the focus of a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice . The government alleges that the companies operated as a single entity to stifle the mobile search market. Apple denies this, arguing that Google's search quality is superior to its competitors, and that users can easily switch services on their iPhones.

In the EU, the relationship between Apple and Google has also been criticized, forcing Apple to make it easier for users to change their default search engine. As legal pressure mounts and artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, the current search agreement may ultimately be less profitable for both. A new agreement centered around AI could help offset that.

While negotiations between Apple and Google are still ongoing, any agreement, if reached, will likely not be announced until June, when Apple holds its WWDC developer conference. It's also possible that the two sides won't reach an agreement and Apple will ultimately choose another AI provider such as OpenAI.

Gemini is a notable name, but not without controversy. Last month, users discovered that the system sometimes mishandled the race of individuals depicted in generated images. Google CEO Sundar Pichai called the issue "completely unacceptable," and image generation was temporarily halted.

Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook has promised a major AI announcement this year. This plan is particularly important as investors seek new sources of growth at the iPhone maker, which canceled its self-driving car project earlier this year. Some engineers from that project have been transferred to the artificial intelligence division.

(According to Bloomberg)