Key Takeaways:
- iOS 18.4 backend code hints at upcoming Google Gemini support in Apple Intelligence.
- Apple aims to offer multiple AI models, moving beyond its exclusive OpenAI partnership.
- No official launch date for Gemini integration, but development is reportedly actively underway.
Apple appears to be making good on its promise to expand Apple Intelligence with multiple AI models.
A recent backend update in iOS 18.4 revealed coding references to "Google" alongside "OpenAI" and "Third Party Model," signaling that Google Gemini may soon be integrated into Apple's AI ecosystem.
This was first reported by MacRumors analyst Aaron Perris, who found the references in the beta version of the operating system.
While there is no confirmed timeline for Gemini's rollout, the update suggests that the tech giant is actively working on the integration.
According to Unico Connect CEO Malay Parekh, Apple’s potential integration of Google Gemini AI marks a shift toward deeply personalized and context-aware experiences.
"This evolution requires UX/UI designers and developers to rethink app interfaces, prioritizing adaptability, conversational AI interactions, and seamless AI-driven automation.
Apps should be designed with modular UI components that adjust dynamically to user preferences, while developers should leverage on-device AI for enhanced privacy and responsiveness. Ultimately, AI integration should feel intuitive, empowering users rather than overwhelming them."
Apple's backend has revealed that the next 3rd party iOS-AI integration will be Google Gemini pic.twitter.com/0rIuJhT5Lj
— Aaron (@aaronp613) February 21, 2025
Apple software executive Craig Federighi previously teased the possibility at WWDC 2024, confirming that the company was open to working with other AI models beyond OpenAI's ChatGPT.
However, Apple has remained tight-lipped on any further details.
Apple Intelligence is expected to bring a more personalized, context-aware experience to users.
However, its initial rollout has faced criticism for delays, limited feature availability, and AI-generated summaries that sometimes miss the mark.
Apple Plays Catch-Up
While Apple works to improve its AI capabilities, competitors like Samsung's Galaxi AI have already integrated Google Gemini into their devices.
Samsung's aggressive AI push has left Apple lagging behind.
This is especially true in the voice assistant space, where Siri has long been outclassed by Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Apple Intelligence currently relies on OpenAI's ChatGPT for processing certain queries.
ChatGPT is now integrated into Apple experiences within iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, allowing users to access ChatGPT’s capabilities right within the OS. pic.twitter.com/LLf4YZfRae
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) December 11, 2024
However, this move toward supporting multiple AI models suggests Apple is looking to diversify and enhance its AI ecosystem.
Industry analysts believe this strategy will give Apple more flexibility, allowing it to use different models for specific tasks while retaining more control over user data.
In a statement to CNET, ABI Research analyst Reece Hayden noted that a multi-model approach benefits Apple in multiple ways:
"Deploying multiple [options] means that applications can choose the most appropriate model to perform a task and optimize cost and performance."
He also pointed out that relying solely on OpenAI presents a risk.
Beyond Google Gemini, Apple is also rumored to be developing its own large language model (LLM) for iOS 19 and macOS 16, likely to be unveiled at WWDC 2025.
Apple will be introducing iOS 19 at the WWDC in June, and will ship it to users in September 2025. Here's what's rumored for the next generation of the iPhone operating system. By @MalcolmOwen
— AppleInsider (@appleinsider) March 3, 2025
https://t.co/BSnbF9Hc0p
For now, the company seems focused on strengthening Apple Intelligence through partnerships while it works on its in-house AI solutions.
Apple has not provided an official statement on the potential Gemini integration.
But with backend updates already in place, it may not be long before iPhone users have another AI option at their fingertips.
Meanwhile, last December, it was reported that Google Search would release a mode that integrated Gemini's conversational AI into the search experience.
