What to know

  • Google CEO Sundar Pichai hopes to finalize a deal with Apple for Gemini AI integration in iOS 19 by mid-2025.
  • Discussions between Google and Apple have been ongoing, with an announcement possible at Apple's WWDC event in June.
  • Gemini integration would offer iPhone users new AI features, similar to current ChatGPT options in Siri and Writing Tools.
  • Any integration is expected to be opt-in and privacy-focused, following Apple's current approach to third-party AI.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has revealed that Google is in talks with Apple to bring its Gemini AI technology to iPhones through iOS 19. Pichai shared this information during a court appearance as part of an ongoing antitrust trial. He said he hopes to reach an agreement with Apple by the middle of 2025, which aligns with the expected announcement of iOS 19 at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

Pichai confirmed that he and Apple CEO Tim Cook have held several discussions about integrating Gemini into iPhones. If a deal is reached, Gemini could become available as a built-in option for iPhone users, similar to how ChatGPT is currently integrated into Siri and Apple's Writing Tools. This would allow users to access Gemini's features, such as advanced text generation and image creation, directly from their devices.

Currently, iPhones with Apple Intelligence support ChatGPT integration, letting Siri provide answers from ChatGPT and enabling system-wide writing assistance. Gemini integration would likely work in a similar way, offering users the choice to use Gemini for certain tasks. Compatible devices would include the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.

Apple is known for its focus on privacy and typically restricts deep system access for third-party services. Any Gemini integration would probably be opt-in and designed to protect user data, following the same approach Apple uses for ChatGPT. While Gemini is already available as an app on iPhones, built-in integration would make it easier for users to access its features across the system.

The potential partnership could help Apple enhance its AI capabilities while it continues to develop its own technology. For Google, having Gemini on iPhones would expand its reach in the competitive mobile AI market. More details are expected to be announced at WWDC in June, with iOS 19 set for public release in September 2025.

Via: macrumors