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

CNET
22 Mar 202408:16

TLDRApple and Google are reportedly in talks for a deal that could integrate Google's AI model, Gemini, into future iPhones to enhance their appeal. As the hardware advancements slow down, software becomes a key selling point for new iPhones. Apple is expected to incorporate generative AI into iOS 18, with the iPhone 16 rumored to lack significant hardware improvements. Apple's acquisition of Darwin AI and its development of a new generative AI model, mm1, indicate a push into on-device AI for privacy. Potential integration of Gemini could be subtle, woven into existing apps, or presented as a standalone feature, but Apple must ensure privacy and accuracy to avoid controversy.

Takeaways

  • 🤖 Apple and Google are reportedly in talks for a deal to incorporate Google's AI model, Gemini, into future iPhones.
  • 📱 The iPhone 16 hardware may not see major advances, making software like generative AI more critical in selling the next iPhone.
  • 🚀 Apple is expected to integrate generative AI into iOS 18, with more details expected at WWDC in June.
  • 🔍 Apple has not yet released its own generative AI chatbox, leading to discussions about its position in the AI race.
  • 💡 Apple recently acquired Darwin AI, a startup specializing in on-device AI, emphasizing privacy.
  • 📈 Apple published a research paper on a new generative AI model called 'mm1', showing its progress in AI development.
  • 🤔 Apple's competitors are actively integrating generative AI tools into their products, with Microsoft and Samsung leading examples.
  • 🌐 Google Gemini is already integrated into Samsung Galaxy s24, used in various applications for assistance.
  • 🛠️ Potential issues with Gemini include inaccurate results and racial bias, which Apple would need to address if partnering with Google.
  • 📱 Apple could introduce Gemini as a standalone app or integrate its features subtly into existing apps to protect user privacy and limit controversy.

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, where Apple might integrate 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 phones is becoming more interesting and critical than the hardware. Incorporating AI can lead to new features and improved user experiences, which can help drive sales and differentiate their products from competitors.

  • What is Apple's reported stance on the potential issues with Google's Gemini?

    -Apple is reportedly cautious about the potential issues with Google's Gemini. They are concerned about user privacy and the accuracy of the AI's output. Apple would want any integration of Gemini to be done in a way that limits what it shares and puts restrictions on its generative capabilities to avoid controversy and ensure the protection of user information.

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

    -The acquisition of Darwin AI, a Canadian startup specializing in AI that runs on the device itself, indicates Apple's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities. This move is seen as a step towards improving privacy, as on-device AI reduces reliance on cloud servers, and potentially preparing for the development of more sophisticated AI features in future Apple products.

  • What is the current status of Apple's reported AI research and development?

    -Apple has been working on a new generative AI model called 'mm1', which can create text and images. Although Apple has not released a standalone AI chat box, the company has been publishing research papers and showing progress in the AI field. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has also mentioned that the company will 'break new ground in AI', suggesting that there are significant developments in the pipeline.

  • How might Google's Gemini be integrated into the iPhone?

    -Google's Gemini might be integrated into the iPhone not as a standalone app, but rather woven into existing apps or features. This could mean AI assistance being a part of certain functions, such as summarizing voice recordings or editing photos, without explicitly being labeled as a Google product.

  • What are some of the criticisms faced by Google's Gemini?

    -Google's Gemini has faced criticism for providing inaccurate results, such as mixing up the races of historical figures and refusing to generate images of certain individuals. Google has had to apologize and pause certain features due to these issues, and has acknowledged that Gemini may occasionally produce embarrassing, inaccurate, or offensive results.

  • How does Apple plan to address potential AI inaccuracies?

    -Apple is expected to address potential AI inaccuracies by implementing the technology in a limited way, with strict controls on what it can generate and share. This approach aims to minimize the risk of controversy and protect user privacy.

  • What is the potential benefit for Google if Gemini is integrated into the iPhone?

    -If Gemini is integrated into the iPhone, it could become the most widely used AI tool, given the large number of Apple devices in circulation. This would help Google in the AI race and potentially increase its market share and influence in the AI industry.

  • What other AI-related features are present in the current iPhone operating system?

    -The current iPhone operating system, iOS 17.4, includes features such as new emojis, transcripts for podcast episodes that can be read and searched, and virtual credit card numbers for Apple Cash. These features demonstrate Apple's ongoing commitment to incorporating AI and machine learning into its products to enhance user experience and functionality.

  • What is the general sentiment towards the potential integration of Google's Gemini into the iPhone?

    -The general sentiment is one of anticipation and curiosity. While there are concerns about potential inaccuracies and privacy issues, there is also an expectation that Apple will handle the integration carefully and that the partnership could lead to exciting new features and improvements in future iPhones.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Apple's Potential Partnership with Google for AI in iPhones

This paragraph discusses the possibility of Apple collaborating with Google to incorporate Google's AI model, Gemini, into future iPhones to enhance their appeal. It highlights the ongoing negotiations between the two tech giants and the potential impact of such a partnership on the iPhone's software capabilities. The paragraph also touches on the current state of generative AI technology, with phone makers rapidly adopting it, and the challenges faced by Google with its AI, including public apologies for inaccuracies and暂停 problematic features. The focus is on how software, rather than hardware, is becoming the key differentiator in the smartphone market, and Apple's strategy to leverage AI to drive the next iPhone's success.

05:02

🤖 Concerns and Potential Use Cases of Google's Gemini in iPhones

This paragraph delves into the potential risks and benefits of integrating Google's Gemini AI into iPhones. It addresses concerns about the accuracy and potential mishaps of generative AI, as seen with Google's recent experiences. The discussion also explores various ways Apple could implement Gemini, such as weaving AI assistance into existing apps or treating it as a standalone app to isolate any inaccuracies from the iPhone's reputation. The segment concludes with speculation on how Apple might handle the integration of Gemini while maintaining user privacy and the company's high standards for data protection.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡iPhone

The iPhone is a line 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's Artificial Intelligence

Refers to the AI technology developed by Google, specifically its generative AI model known as Gemini. In the video, it is suggested that Apple might incorporate Google's AI into future iPhones to make them more interesting and competitive. This AI technology is capable of generating content like text or images, and it is being integrated into various applications.

💡Generative AI

Generative AI refers to the type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images, or even code. In the context of the video, generative AI is a hot topic in the tech industry, with companies like Google and Apple looking to integrate it into their products to enhance user experience and provide new functionalities. It is the technology that could potentially be included in future iPhones through Google's Gemini or Apple's own AI developments.

💡iOS 18

iOS 18 is the upcoming operating system for iPhones, which is expected to include significant advancements in generative AI according to the video. It is suggested that this new OS could be a major selling point for the next iPhone, as it may offer new AI-driven features and improvements that differentiate it from previous versions.

💡Apple's AI Work

Apple's AI work refers to the company's efforts in developing and integrating artificial intelligence technologies into its products and services. The video highlights Apple's relative silence on its AI software initiatives compared to other tech giants, but also notes recent acquisitions and research developments that indicate Apple is actively working on its own AI models and applications.

💡Google Gemini

Google Gemini is Google's generative AI model that is capable of producing various types of content, such as text and images. In the video, it is discussed as a potential addition to future iPhones through a partnership between Apple and Google, which would aim to enhance the iPhone's capabilities and make it more appealing to consumers.

💡User Privacy

User privacy refers to the protection of personal information and data of users as they interact with technology products and services. In the context of the video, it is a critical concern when discussing the potential integration of Google's Gemini into iPhones, as Apple prioritizes keeping user data private and secure.

💡AI Race

The AI race refers to the competitive landscape among technology companies to develop and implement advanced artificial intelligence technologies. In the video, it is suggested that Apple may be perceived as falling behind in this race, especially when compared to companies like Google and OpenAI, which have more visibly integrated AI into their products.

💡WWDC

WWDC stands for Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event where Apple showcases new software and technologies, and provides updates on its developer ecosystem. In the video, it is mentioned as the platform where more information about iOS 18 and Apple's AI plans will be revealed.

💡Apple Executives

Apple executives are the high-ranking officials within Apple Inc. who oversee the company's operations, strategy, and product development. In the context of the video, they are noted for their response to criticisms about Apple's position in the AI race, asserting that they are not worried and are actively working on AI technologies.

💡Google Search

Google Search is a web search engine owned by Google LLC, which allows users to search the internet for websites, images, videos, and other online content. In the video, it is mentioned as the default search engine on Safari, highlighting the existing business relationship between Apple and Google.

Highlights

Apple and Google are reportedly negotiating a deal to integrate Google's artificial intelligence model into future iPhones.

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

Google's generative AI model, known as Gemini, is already integrated into the Galaxy S24, being used across multiple applications.

Apple is expected to incorporate generative AI into the next iPhone operating system, iOS 18.

The iPhone 16 hardware will not have any major advances, making the software more critical than usual for the next iPhone.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated that there will be more revelations about Apple's AI work at the annual developers conference (WWDC) and that Apple will break new ground in AI.

Apple has acquired the Canadian startup Darwin Ai, which specializes in AI that runs on the device itself for better privacy.

Apple has developed a new generative AI model called 'mm1' capable of creating text and images, showing general knowledge skills.

Apple's competitors are integrating generative AI tools into their products, such as Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI and Samsung's own generative AI model.

Google Gemini is used in the Galaxy S24 to summarize voice recordings and perform generative editing on photos.

Google has faced criticism for Gemini's inaccurate results and had to pause image generation of people due to issues with race representation.

Apple would need to ensure user privacy is protected if it partners with Google's Gemini, potentially integrating it in a limited way within existing apps.

Apple could treat Gemini like a standalone app to avoid controversy over incorrect AI-generated outputs.

Google would benefit from having Gemini on Apple devices, as it could make Gemini the most used AI and help it win the AI race.

Apple's iOS 17.4 update includes over 100 new emojis, transcripts for Apple Podcast episodes, and virtual credit card numbers for Apple Cash.

The final decision on Google Gemini's integration into future iPhones may be revealed during the iPhone announcement in September.