New iPhone Rumors Emerge, Could Feature Google's AI Tech

According to a new report, the next iPhone operating system could feature Google's Gemini artificial intelligence engine to power "some new features." Bloomberg reported that Apple and Google owner Alphabet are holding "active negotiations" about this currently for Apple to license Gemini. Apple also reportedly met with OpenAI about an AI deal.

Apple and Alphabet have already worked together. For many years now, Alphabet has paid Apple billions each year to make Google Chrome the default browser inside Safari.

Apple is working on its own AI technology, and signing a deal with Google for Gemini might "be a sign that Apple isn't as far along with its AI efforts as some might have hoped," Bloomberg reported. There are also antitrust concerns that could be a problem with a potential Apple and Google deal.

As for what the AI tech might be used for in the next iPhone, Bloomberg said Apple is trying to improve the capabilities of iOS 18 for things like creating images and writing essays based on prompts. AI technology would do the "heavy lifting" for such features, Bloomberg said.

Apple and Google declined to comment when approached by Bloomberg, and OpenAI did not respond. OpenAI already has a huge partner in Microsoft, as the Xbox maker paid OpenAI a reported $10 billion for its ambitious AI initiatives.

Apple has not announced the next iPhone, but history suggests the latest refresh will be here later this year. Earlier this year, it was reported that Apple had canceled its never-announced plans to create an electric car, with staffers shifting to artificial intelligence projects. Apple CEO Tim Cook has told investors to expect the company to announce plans in the AI space later this year.