Apple Stuffing Google’s AI into iPhone? Here’s What Might Happen

CNET
22 Mar 202408:16

TLDRApple is reportedly in talks with Google to integrate Google's AI model, Gemini, into future iPhones to enhance their appeal. As the hardware advances slow down, software becomes a key selling point for new iPhones. Apple is expected to focus on generative AI with the upcoming iOS 18, and while it works on its own AI models, it might partner with Google to speed up the process. However, concerns about privacy and the accuracy of AI-generated content remain, with Apple needing to ensure that any integration respects user data and provides reliable results.

Takeaways

  • 🤖 Apple and Google are reportedly negotiating a deal to incorporate Google's AI model, Gemini, into future iPhones to enhance their features.
  • 📰 Bloomberg, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal have all reported on the potential collaboration between Apple and Google with anonymous sources.
  • 📱 The smartphone industry is rapidly integrating generative AI, indicating a shift where software advancements are more critical than hardware improvements.
  • 🚀 Apple's iOS 18 and the next iPhone operating system are expected to include generative AI, hinting at a significant focus on software capabilities.
  • 🔍 Apple's hardware, equipped with advanced processors, is capable of supporting generative AI, but the company has been quieter about its software developments.
  • 💡 Apple recently acquired Darwin AI, a company specializing in on-device AI to enhance privacy, and published a research paper on a new generative AI model called 'mm1'.
  • 🤔 While Apple's competitors are actively integrating generative AI tools, there is a perception that Apple may be lagging in the AI race.
  • 🧩 Google's Gemini is already integrated into Samsung Galaxy s24, suggesting that Apple could adopt a similar approach by weaving AI features into existing applications.
  • 🛡️ Privacy concerns are highlighted with the potential integration of Google's Gemini, emphasizing the need for Apple to ensure data protection and limit what the AI can generate.
  • 📱 If Apple decides to include Gemini as a standalone app, it could insulate the iPhone from direct criticism if the AI provides incorrect or controversial outputs.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic discussed in the transcript?

    -The main topic discussed in the transcript is the potential collaboration between Apple and Google to incorporate Google's artificial intelligence model, Gemini, into future iPhones to enhance their features and make them more appealing to consumers.

  • Why are phone manufacturers interested in generative AI?

    -Phone manufacturers are interested in generative AI because the software on a phone is becoming more interesting than the hardware, and incorporating AI can provide additional features and functionalities that can attract users to purchase their devices.

  • What is Apple's reported strategy to enhance its AI capabilities?

    -Apple is reportedly looking to partner with companies like Google and OpenAI to enhance its AI capabilities. It has also acquired a Canadian startup, Darwin Ai, which specializes in AI that runs on the device itself for better privacy, and has developed a new generative AI model called 'mm1'.

  • What are some of the concerns regarding the use of Google's Gemini in iPhones?

    -There are concerns about the potential privacy issues and the accuracy of the AI's output. Google's Gemini has had issues with generating incorrect or offensive content, and there is a worry about how much personal data it might share with Google's servers.

  • How might Apple implement Google's Gemini in its iPhones?

    -Apple might implement Google's Gemini in a way that it is woven into existing products or as a standalone app. This would allow Apple to offer AI-enhanced features without fully integrating Google's system, thus maintaining control over user privacy and data.

  • What is the significance of Apple's acquisition of Darwin Ai?

    -The acquisition of Darwin Ai is significant because it shows Apple's commitment to developing AI that runs on the device itself, which is better for privacy. Darwin Ai's expertise can potentially be leveraged to improve Apple's AI capabilities and offerings.

  • What is the 'mm1' AI model developed by Apple?

    -The 'mm1' AI model developed by Apple is a generative AI that can create text and images. It has been showcased to answer questions about photos and display general knowledge skills, indicating that Apple is working on its own AI technology.

  • What are some AI-enhanced features currently available on Samsung Galaxy s24?

    -On the Samsung Galaxy s24, users can utilize Google's Gemini to summarize voice recordings, such as lectures, and perform generative editing on photos, including moving people around or removing objects with the AI filling in the gaps.

  • How does the generative AI model differ from a search engine like Google's?

    -Generative AI models, like Gemini, provide a single solution to a query, whereas search engines like Google offer multiple pages of links that users can assess for quality. The AI model gives a definitive answer, which can be problematic if it is incorrect or misleading.

  • What are some new features introduced in iOS 17.4?

    -iOS 17.4 introduces over 100 new emojis, transcripts for Apple Podcast episodes that can be read or searched through, and virtual credit card numbers for use with Apple Cash in situations where Apple Pay is not accepted.

  • What is the potential impact of Google's Gemini being on Apple devices?

    -If Google's Gemini is implemented on Apple devices, it could become the most widely used AI tool, helping Google potentially win the AI race, at least until Apple is ready to release its own AI tool.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Apple and Google's AI Collaboration

This paragraph discusses the potential collaboration between Apple and Google involving the integration of Google's AI model, Gemini, into future iPhones. It highlights the current state of the smartphone industry, where software advancements are more significant than hardware improvements. Apple is expected to incorporate generative AI into the next iPhone operating system, and there is speculation that the iPhone 16 hardware may not see major changes, making software a key selling point. Apple's AI plans are expected to be unveiled at the annual developers' conference (WWDC) in June. The paragraph also touches on Apple's acquisition of Darwin AI, a Canadian startup specializing in on-device AI for enhanced privacy, and Apple's development of its own generative AI model, mm1. The discussion includes the potential benefits and risks of integrating third-party AI tools into Apple's ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of user privacy and the limitations that Apple may impose on such integrations.

05:02

🚫 Challenges with Generative AI and Apple's Strategy

This paragraph addresses the challenges associated with generative AI, specifically focusing on Google's Gemini AI model. It mentions the recent criticism and issues faced by Google due to inaccurate results and the subsequent public apology. The paragraph discusses the potential implications for Apple if it were to integrate Gemini into the iPhone, highlighting the risks of providing incorrect information or generating offensive content. It suggests that Apple might handle Gemini as a standalone app to mitigate such risks, similar to how Google Search is a default option on Safari. The paragraph also explores the possibility of Apple partnering with Google to make Gemini the most widely used AI by leveraging the vast number of Apple devices in use. Lastly, it introduces new features in iOS 17.4, such as additional emojis, podcast transcripts, and virtual credit card numbers for Apple Cash.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡iPhone

The iPhone is a series of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc. In the context of the video, it is discussed as a potential platform for integrating Google's artificial intelligence model, Gemini, to enhance its features and maintain its market competitiveness. The iPhone's hardware and software advancements are central to the discussion of how it may evolve with AI integration.

💡Google

Google is a technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, including search, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. In the video, Google is noted for its AI model, Gemini, which is under negotiation for potential integration into future iPhones to improve their AI capabilities.

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. In the video, AI is a pivotal topic as it discusses the potential for AI models, like Google's Gemini, to be integrated into smartphones, particularly iPhones, to enhance user experience and device functionality.

💡Generative AI

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that involves the creation of new content, such as text or images, by a machine. In the context of the video, generative AI is significant because it is the technology that Google's Gemini and Apple's mm1 are based on, and it is expected to be a key feature in future smartphones.

💡Gemini

Gemini is Google's artificial intelligence model that is capable of generating text and images. In the video, Gemini is discussed as a potential addition to future iPhones to enhance their AI capabilities and make them more attractive to consumers.

💡iOS 18

iOS 18 is the speculated version of Apple's operating system for iPhones. In the video, it is suggested that iOS 18 could be a significant update, potentially incorporating generative AI to improve the iPhone's features and functionality.

💡WWDC

WWDC stands for Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event where Apple showcases new software and technologies. In the video, WWDC is highlighted as the event where more information about iOS 18 and Apple's AI plans might be revealed.

💡mm1

mm1 is Apple's own generative AI model that is capable of creating text and images, as well as demonstrating general knowledge skills. In the video, mm1 is presented as evidence that Apple is developing its AI capabilities, despite not having a public chatbot equivalent to Google's Gemini.

💡Darwin AI

Darwin AI is a Canadian startup that specializes in AI models that run on devices themselves, enhancing privacy by reducing reliance on cloud servers. In the video, Apple's acquisition of Darwin AI is mentioned as a strategic move to strengthen its AI capabilities and privacy features.

💡User Privacy

User privacy refers to the protection of personal information and data from unauthorized access and use. In the context of the video, user privacy is a concern when discussing the integration of AI models like Google's Gemini into iPhones, as it raises questions about how user data will be handled and protected.

💡AI Race

The AI Race refers to the competitive development and integration of artificial intelligence technologies by various companies in the tech industry. In the video, the AI Race is a central theme as it discusses how Apple and other tech giants are striving to advance their AI capabilities to gain a market edge.

Highlights

Apple and Google are reportedly negotiating a deal to incorporate Google's AI model into future iPhones.

The software on phones is becoming more interesting than the hardware, prompting phone manufacturers to explore generative AI.

Google's generative AI model, known as Gemini, is being considered by Apple for integration into the next iPhone to enhance its appeal.

Apple is expected to incorporate generative AI into the upcoming iOS 18, signaling a potential shift in focus towards software.

The iPhone 16 hardware may not have significant advances, making the software's role even more critical in selling the device.

Apple's acquisition of Darwin Ai, a Canadian startup specializing in on-device AI, indicates Apple's commitment to privacy-focused AI solutions.

Apple has developed a new generative AI model called mm1, which can create text and images and is designed to run on the device itself.

Apple's AI research suggests a focus on general knowledge skills and practical applications, differentiating it from existing AI chatbots.

Apple's competitors, including Microsoft and Samsung, have already integrated generative AI tools into their products.

Google Gemini is integrated into Samsung Galaxy s24, used across multiple applications for tasks like summarizing lectures and editing photos.

The potential partnership between Apple and Google could lead to Gemini being implemented in a limited, background manner within existing iPhone apps.

Apple's focus on user privacy could lead to restrictions on how Google's Gemini operates within iOS to protect user data.

Generative AI's inability to guarantee accurate results poses a challenge for its integration into consumer devices.

Apple could treat Gemini as a standalone app to mitigate potential controversies arising from inaccurate AI-generated content.

Google is interested in having Gemini on Apple devices, as it could make it the most used AI and help it win the AI race.

Apple's potential partnership with Google for AI integration is a strategic move until Apple is ready to launch its own AI tool.

The final details on the potential integration of Google Gemini into iPhones may not be revealed until the iPhone announcement in September.