Apple may be considering partnering with Google or OpenAI for its AI aspirations

Apple is considering teaming up with Google to introduce advanced AI features to iPhones, potentially enhancing user experience.

By Aatar Ata | Founder and Senior Author of Aatar X

4 min read — March 19, 2024

Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to bring powerful AI features to iPhones later this year. This news comes alongside Apple’s CEO Tim Cook confirming the company’s significant investment in artificial intelligence development.

The report suggests Apple might use a combination of its own and third-party AI models. Apple’s AI could handle on-device tasks on the upcoming iOS 18, while more complex features like generating text or images could be powered through a partnership with Google’s Gemini AI technology.

This wouldn’t be the first time a phone maker partnered with Google for AI features. Samsung’s latest Galaxy phones use Google’s AI, similar to how Google integrates its AI into its Pixel devices. How exactly Google’s AI would be implemented on iPhones remains to be seen.

Apple already has a longstanding deal with Google to make Google Search the default option on iPhones. However, such deals have faced scrutiny from regulators who worry about fair competition.

A potential partnership with Google would give Google’s AI access to the over 2 billion iPhones in circulation. However, it could also suggest Apple’s own AI development might be behind the curve. While Apple has been testing its chatbot and has a larger language model in the works, reports suggest they might not be as advanced as competitor offerings.

We’ll likely have to wait until Apple’s developer conference in June for any official announcements on an AI deal. This news suggests Apple is committed to bringing advanced AI features to iPhones, potentially through a collaboration with Google.