iOS 19 Might Use Google Gemini For AI Functionality

We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.

In a surprising twist in the ongoing AI arms race, Bloomberg has reported that Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed during a U.S. DOJ antitrust trial that Google is nearing a deal with Apple to integrate its Gemini AI model into the iPhone ecosystem. Pichai stated that the company hopes to finalise the agreement by mid-2025, with a rollout expected by the end of the year.

This potential collaboration would allow Siri to utilise Gemini for answering complex questions, complementing Apple’s existing support for OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, had previously hinted at plans to build Gemini into its Apple Intelligence feature, suggesting that users might eventually choose between different AI models.

The integration aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to support third-party AI models within its Apple Intelligence feature, enhancing Siri’s capabilities without needing to work them directly on improving the LLM. Additional hints surfaced in early 2025 when an iOS 18.4 beta referenced Google as an Apple Intelligence model option.

This news comes at a time when Apple has faced persistent criticism over Apple Intelligence for various examples of inaccuracy and being unfit for purpose. While it isn’t clear how deep the Gemini integration will be, it is unlikely that it will fully replace Apple Intelligence, instead working to boost it. Even with Gemini’s help, Apple still needs significant investment in AI to catch up with competitors.

While the exact timeline for the integration remains uncertain, the presence of backend code referencing both “Google” and “OpenAI” as options for external models within Apple Intelligence suggests that Gemini integration may arrive in iOS 19. We’re expecting iOS 19 to be announced at WWDC 2025, Apple’s major release event in the summer, so we may get more concrete information then.

Alternatively, Gemini could come to iOS 19 in a later update somewhere further down the line. Either way, this move marks a significant collaboration that seemingly would never have happened until AI came along. Gemini is already integrated across many other smartphone AI systems, including Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 Ultra range and most new Xiaomi devices.

Interestingly, this isn’t the only news of late that has referenced Apple using a major competitor for help. Reportedly, the upcoming foldable iPhone will use Samsung’s display technology.