Apple is gradually advancing in its AI endeavors as it seeks to partner with the giants of the tech industry like Google and OpenAI. Despite the development of its custom generative AI technology, the Cupertino giant is also interested in utilizing technology developed by others. We have previously covered how Apple wants to integrate some of Google's Gemini AI models ahead of its big iOS 18 release later this year. A new report sheds light on the company's plans to push further towards developing generative AI models with the help of a China-based company called Baidu.
Apple is working to bring China's Baidu on board its generative AI technology for iOS 18 and iPhone 16 alongside Google and OpenAI
iOS 18 is still in its early developmental phase, and based on what we have learned in the past few months, the company is heavily invested in bringing generative AI technology to the iPhone through various means. Despite being late in the industry, Apple aims to unveil its AI efforts with the release of iOS 18 and the forthcoming iPhone 16 lineup. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has held discussions with Baidu, a Chinese company that deals in generative AI, to bring the technology to the iPhone.
The company has been asking around in the industry for partnerships, pushing Google and OpenAI to bring their generative AI technology to power the iPhone. Apart from third-party technology, Apple has also devoted a lot of time and money to developing its own generative AI models, which will be part of various aspects of iOS 18 and the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup. It was recently uncovered that Apple has developed generative AI technology that can edit, manipulate, and animate still images based on natural language commands, and it is possible that the technology will see daylight in the Photos app on iOS 18.
If Baidu decides to go ahead with Apple and incorporate its generative AI technology into Apple's ecosystem, it will potentially cater to users in Asia-specific regions. Similarly, Google and OpenAI could serve Apple in the North American markets. At this point, it remains to be seen what type of generative AI technology Apple is demanding from Baidu, Google, and OpenAI and how it will utilize it. It is possible that the company will connect the technology together to create a global mesh, and information will be accessible to the iPhone and other Apple products seamlessly.
In China, Baidu must receive approval for its generative AI technology from the regulatory authorities before it can partner with Apple, and the company's Ernie chatbot is on the waiting list. Possibly, Apple will disclose its efforts to the world in June at its WWDC 2024 event, where it will see fit to announce iOS 18 and other updates. We will update you as soon as further details are available on Apple's partnership with Baidu in China. Do you think Google will agree to bring the Gemini AI model to the iPhone? Let us know in the comments section below.
