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Is "borrowing" tech from OpenAI and Google all Apple needs to make the iPhone 16 the king of AI?

By Tsveta Ermenkova

Published: May 15, 2024, 9:19 AM

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Is "borrowing" tech from OpenAI and Google all Apple needs to make the iPhone 16 the king of AI?

Ah, AI! Seems like you are everywhere these days, huh? Well, maybe not literally, since you are not reading this, are you? Oh, wait, someone could use you to summarize this article. It is no secret that AI and smartphones have become inseparable lately. Interestingly, there was one major player that wasn't exactly shouting the AI buzz at its events (at least not too loudly), but it looks like that is about to change.

Whispers about Apple and OpenAI sealing a deal to integrate ChatGPT into the iPhone are causing quite a stir lately. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that the Cupertino tech giant is also in discussions with Google to leverage its Gemini AI models. So, the big question is: which one will Apple go for? Or perhaps it will opt for both?

Just imagine if Apple strikes a deal with these two AI powerhouses, incorporating their top-notch features into the next iPhone 16. Now, that would be one incredibly intelligent smartphone, wouldn't it?

The debut of the iPhone 16 is nearing (time sure flies, doesn't it?), and anticipation is high for some exciting AI features onboard. But can the iPhone 16 truly harness the best of both worlds when it comes to AI? And by "worlds," I am talking about OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Let's explore.

ChatGPT vs Gemini: A tale of two titans

Google and OpenAI stand tall at the forefront of AI research. Their rivalry has fueled incredible advancements in large language models and AI in general. It is hard to even fathom these two giants collaborating. Yet, could Apple pull off the impossible and strike a deal with both? Who knows? However, it is more probable that only one will lend its features to the iPhone.

Now, let's quickly look at some differences between ChatGPT and Gemini. First, let’s see what is the underlying technology powering them:

ChatGPT: Powered by OpenAI's GPT family of large language models, like GPT-4.
Gemini: Utilizes Google's own large language models, currently on the Gemini family.

The question that has sparked numerous debates since the dawn of AI: Where does it source its knowledge from, aka data sources?

ChatGPT: Trained on a massive dataset of text and code, including Common Crawl, articles, books, and Wikipedia.
Gemini: Leverages webpages, source codes, and various datasets in multiple languages, with real-time access to Google Search.

Next up, let's examine some of the strengths of both models:

ChatGPT: Established tool with a wider range of features, including code generation and image creation (although currently limited). It is more customizable for specific tasks and tones and generally has faster response times.
Gemini: The free version offers more capabilities than the free tier of ChatGPT, and it has access to real-time information through Google Search for potentially more up-to-date responses. Gemini is generally considered better for factual accuracy and content quality control. It is superior for tasks like generating formatted content (spreadsheets) and handling complex queries.

And, of course, we can't overlook their weaknesses, can we?

ChatGPT: Its free tier has limitations on features and response length, and its knowledge may be outdated due to a lack of real-time data access.
Gemini: It has limited mobile functionality compared to ChatGPT, and its paid tier only offers slight improvements over ChatGPT's paid tier.

iPhone 16: A canvas for AI innovation

We anticipate the iPhone 16 hitting the shelves this September, running on iOS 18 right out of the box. With numerous rumors swirling around, it is evident that AI will be a big focus this time. Siri is slated for a makeover, Safari is poised to receive fresh AI enhancements, and even Notes and Voice Memos are expected to get a dose of AI intelligence.

While Apple is diligently crafting its own large-language model (LLM) dubbed Ajax, it may not be ready to power Siri and the iPhone 16 with AI features just yet. Google and OpenAI have surged ahead in AI developments (at least in the public eye), making it a wise move for Apple to leverage their expertise and advancements, at least for the iPhone 16.

So, let's take a moment to imagine the iPhone 16 harnessing the best of both ChatGPT and Gemini. That could unlock some truly impressive AI features. For instance, the iPhone 16 could tap into one of Gemini Nano's standout advantages: the ability to run on-device.

This means your data remains on your phone, potentially alleviating privacy concerns linked to cloud-based AI. With features like summarizing voice recordings or suggesting smart replies, the iPhone 16 could function seamlessly, even without an internet connection.

Moreover, Gemini seamlessly integrates with Google Search, granting it access to real-time information. This capability can result in more reliable and factually accurate outcomes compared to AI models reliant on static datasets.

Apple might choose to use some of Google’s AI features, like Circle to Search, for example. And at the same time, it can use ChatGPT to power up Siri. ChatGPT excels at understanding user intent and responding in a way that aligns with the user's style and preferences.

Imagine an AI assistant on your phone that tailors its suggestions and responses to your unique way of communicating. It should be way better than Siri’s current “I found this on the web.”

Siri could become way smarter

If Apple opts for the best of both worlds with its iPhone 16, the phone could boast:

Creativity: ChatGPT's knack for generating diverse text formats like poems, code snippets, scripts, or even musical pieces.
Conversational prowess: ChatGPT's reputation for engaging and informative conversations.
Privacy: Leveraging Gemini's on-device functionality, ensuring your data remains on your phone.
Accuracy: Gemini's real-time access to websites, Google Search, and its ability to verify information sources.

I don’t know about you, but I am pretty stoked about the upcoming iOS 18 and iPhone 16. We will likely see similar AI features to those found on the Pixel 8 and the Galaxy S24 series, such as:

Live translate
AI Magic Eraser
Circle to Search
Transcript Assist
Note Assist
Chat Assist
And who knows what other surprises Apple might have in store for us.

For example, the Dynamic Island on iPhones offers a unique opportunity for Apple to integrate AI features in a user-friendly way. Imagine the Dynamic Island intelligently displaying information based on what you're doing. For instance, if you're reading an article about a restaurant, the island could display its rating or hours of operation with a tap to open Maps for directions.

AI could also analyze your habits and suggest actions in the Dynamic Island. Leaving work and traffic is bad? See an ETA home with the Maps app in the island. About to miss a friend's birthday? A quick reminder with the option to send a message.

Apple could also use AI to create auto-generated playlists in Music or offer more advanced photo editing tools in Photos. Of course, these are just a few examples, and the possibilities are truly endless.

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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.