In a substantial step towards using artificial intelligence features on iPhones, Google and Apple are said to be close to a deal that will incorporate Google's Gemini AI model into Apple's ecosystem. In the defense of the antitrust trial last week, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that Google hopes to conclude the deal with Apple by mid-2025 and deploy by the end of the year.

Key Highlights:

• Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirms plans to finalize Gemini AI integration with Apple by mid-2025.
• This collaboration is meant to enhance Siri with Google's Gemini AI tool.
• Apple's iOS 18.4 beta already mentions Gemini as a possible alternative AI tool alongside ChatGPT.
• But there may be antitrust concerns in addition to existing regulatory concerns because of the partnership.
• Apple hopes to offer the option to give users the choice of multiple AI models, including Gemini and ChatGPT.

Apple Eyes AI Flexibility with Gemini Integration Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Gemini will be built into Apple's devices, which would expand Siri's capabilities with Google's powerful AI so it could address more difficult questions. Before Gemini, Apple partnered with OpenAI to plug ChatGPT into the Apple Intelligence interface in its devices, showing that it carries an interest in supplying customers with a choice of AI models for their needs.

Signs about the upcoming integration appeared in beta iOS 18.4, which referenced the word "Google" as a potential AI model. His company previously, Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at Apple, said they were open to adding a number of AI models such as Gemini, to their platform.

However, there are potential complications with the partnership. The partnership presents the possibility of added scrutiny as Google is already under scrutiny over its dominance in search and advertising. An example might be the antitrust suits currently brought by the Department of Justice which could or may affect Google's potentially planned deal with Apple which would make Google the default search engine.

If approved, the introduction of Gemini into Apple's products could be a step forward in the development of mobile AI tools. By providing alternatives to AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini, Apple will improve user experience and keep pace in a rapidly changing AI environment.