Apple and Google are actively negotiating the use of Gemini to power some of the generative AI features coming to iPhones this year, according to a recent report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurnman. The deal with Apple could be a game-changer for Google's Gemini chatbot, which has been embroiled in several controversies in recent months.

While Apple is already working on bringing several AI features to its upcoming iOS 18 operating system based on its own AI models, these enhancements are likely to focus on features that run on its devices rather than being delivered from the cloud, Gurnman reported. The partnership with Google could help deliver a variety of creative AI features, such as generating images and writing essays based on a single text prompt.

However, the latest round of negotiations also signals that Apple is not as far ahead in its AI efforts as many expected. Apple is reportedly testing its large language model, Ajax, and many employees had also access to a chatbot called Apple GPT. However, Gurnman, citing sources, notes that Apple's AI technology remains inferior to tools from Google and other rivals.

The report states that while talks between Google and Apple are currently active, the final deal won't be announced until at least June, which is when Apple usually holds its Worldwide Developers Conference. Gurnman also noted that Apple may eventually decide to use generative AI technology from another company, such as OpenAI or Anthropic.

A deal with Apple could be a silver lining for Google, giving its Gemini AI chatbot a boost in the highly competitive AI landscape thanks to the iPhone maker's user base of nearly 2 billion, as well as helping the chatbot to recover from controversies.

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