Regarding AI technology in iOS 18, Apple is reportedly developing AI models optimized for on-device processing that leverage the enhanced performance of the new A18 Pro chip. At the same time, it has been reported that Apple may adopt a so-called "hybrid strategy," relying on large-scale cloud-based AI models for processing that has limitations on-device. Bloomberg reports that a contract with OpenAI, as a partner for this, is close to being finalized.
Could Apple and OpenAI team up?
It has been reported that Apple is advancing development of large-scale models, and also developing its own chips for AI data centers. However, likely because current development won't be ready in time, there have long been reports of the possibility of partnerships with OpenAI and Google, which are ahead in this field.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is nearing an agreement with OpenAI to use ChatGPT's features on the iPhone. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports the following:
The agreement with OpenAI would have the popular chatbot power a new AI feature set that Apple is set to unveil next month.
If this partnership is realized, Apple reportedly plans to integrate this AI-based technology into iOS 18 for the next iPhone.
Apple and OpenAI are negotiating terms under which Apple would incorporate OpenAI's technology into new AI features set to be announced at WWDC next month. However, according to Bloomberg, there is no guarantee that an agreement will be announced immediately.
Interestingly, Apple is also continuing discussions with Google regarding licensing the "Gemini" chatbot, though those discussions have not yet reached an agreement. In China, Apple is reportedly negotiating with the local company Baidu. Offering multiple chatbot options is likely intended to comply with EU law under the Digital Markets Act.
The two companies are finalizing terms of an agreement that would see ChatGPT capabilities used for some new features coming to iOS 18, Apple's next iPhone operating system, according to the people. Apple has also been negotiating with Alphabet Inc.'s Google about using its Gemini chatbot for the same purpose. Those talks are continuing and haven't been finalized.
The majority of AI features Apple will announce this year for iOS 18 will be processed on-device, in order to promote the "privacy" and "speed" that Apple emphasizes. It's not yet clear what form the features resulting from the partnership with OpenAI will take, but at least some of it will likely be revealed at WWDC on June 10th.
Separate from these partnership moves, OpenAI itself has also been reported to potentially be preparing to announce a "multimodal AI digital assistant" that could rival Apple's Siri.
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