Apple could partner with both Google and OpenAI for iOS 18’s AI features.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple has reportedly resumed discussions with OpenAI about using its technology to power AI features in iOS 18. The company will use OpenAI’s LLM model to apparently power an AI-based chatbot.
OpenAI and Apple are also discussing how they can integrate OpenAI features into iOS 18.
iOS 18 could feature AI-powered features from Google and OpenAI
A previous report indicated that the iPhone maker could use Google Gemini to power generative AI features in iOS 18. Apple has not yet finalized a partner for the AI features planned in iOS 18.
The Bloomberg report indicates that Apple could go with both OpenAI and Google or select another company. Either way, it looks like Apple wants to rely on OpenAI or Google’s AI expertise to power generative and chatbot-based AI features in iOS 18, instead of create similar technology itself.
If Apple ends up partnering with Google or OpenAI, it would be the first time in years that it has worked closely with another major tech giant for major iOS features.
Rumors indicate that many of iOS 18’s AI features could work entirely on the device, giving Apple’s implementation an edge over Google and Samsung. For other AI-based generative features, the company is apparently considering partnering with Google or OpenAI, offloading high server costs and privacy risks to them.
Apple lags behind Google and Microsoft in the AI race
Apple has not yet unveiled any major AI features, unlike Google and Microsoft. Its leaders, however, teased AI-focused announcements at WWDC 2024, saying it would be “absolutely incredible!” »
The company has also recently acquired AI-focused startups to bolster its development efforts in this area. This is in addition to the 32 AI startups Apple acquired in 2023. The company also transferred employees from its canceled Apple Car and microLED projects to work on its AI initiatives to catch up with the competition.
