One of the bombshells this week was that Manzana would be negotiating with OpenAI and Google to incorporate ChatGPT or Gemini in iOS 18. There has been talk for some time that the next version of the iPhone operating system would bring a few new features in terms of artificial intelligence. And now there is speculation that some of them would use third-party technology.
Those at Tim Cook would also be talking with another company to face this challenge in one of its crucial markets: China. As reported The Wall Street Journal, Apple has entered into talks with Baidu to incorporate its AI, Ernie, into iOS 18.
The aforementioned media indicates that the contact between those from the apple and Baidu is “exploratory”, and that it is not known if those from Tim Cook have approached other Chinese artificial intelligence firms to analyze similar alliances. In any case, the fact that Californians are even analyzing this possibility makes it clear that their plans for the implementation of the technology in the iPhone are more than ambitious.
The possible choice of Baidu to power the new artificial intelligence functions of iOS 18 in China would have a simple explanation. The Asian giant exerts strong control over this sector and you must approve generative AI models before they reach the public. Added to this is that both GPT-4, ChatGPT technology, and Gemini are not available in that country.
According to the WSJApple is not the first foreign firm that turns to Chinese technology companies to enhance the AI of its mobile phones. Samsung, for example, uses Ernie, from Baidu, in the terminals it sells in Chinawhen the rest of the world takes advantage of Google’s Gemini.
Apple could use Baidu AI in iOS 18
Ernie, from Baidu, was one of the first “Chinese ChatGPTs” to come to light. The company, which is considered by many to be the Google of the Asian giant, did not take long to get on the generative artificial intelligence train after the furor caused by OpenAI tools.
The possibility of partnering with Apple to bring its AI to iOS 18 will surely be very attractive. After all, Baidu services are among the most popular in China, one of the iPhone’s most important international markets.
Rumors suggest that iOS 18 will be a turning point for those from Cupertino. The company would provide the next iPhone software with a smarter version of Siri, as well as new generative artificial intelligence functions that could be focused on photo and video editing, among other issues. Thus, Apple would seek to silence comments that it is falling behind in this segment.
If Tim Cook’s people close an agreement with Baidu in China and with OpenAI or Google in the rest of the world, we may know a few new things when iOS 18 is announced at WWDC 2024. Of course, several questions have not yet been resolved with regarding these possible alliances. In particular, those linked to how user information will be processed and what measures will be taken to guarantee their privacy.
Regardless of who its future partners are, it is striking to see Apple supposedly seeking the application of foreign technology in the iPhone, its flagship product. Californians have historically stood out for do things in your time and your way, and this has not been an exception when talking about software. The apparent negotiations with OpenAI, Google or Baidu could reflect that, despite their efforts and investments, those on the block still need an external push to catch up faster with their competitors.