Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for deeper AI model integration within its Apple Intelligence platform, with recent backend updates suggesting Google’s Gemini could be joining the lineup alongside OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Apple Hints at Gemini Integration, iOS 18.4 Beta Reveals Backend Support
Apple’s backend has revealed that the next 3rd party iOS-AI integration will be Google Gemini pic.twitter.com/0rIuJhT5Lj
— Aaron (@aaronp613) February 21, 2025
A peek into the iOS 18.4 beta reveals the presence of both “OpenAI” and “Google” options within the Apple Intelligence framework, indicating active development on supporting alternative large language models (LLMs). This discovery fuels speculation that Apple is moving closer to fulfilling its promise of offering users a choice in AI experiences.
While the presence of these options in the beta’s backend doesn’t guarantee a public rollout, it strongly suggests Apple is seriously exploring the integration of Gemini. As previously hinted by Apple’s Craig Federighi, the company aims to provide flexibility by incorporating various AI models, including those from Google.
The timing of a potential Gemini integration remains uncertain. The optimistic viewpoints to a possible launch alongside the public release of iOS 18.4, expected in April. However, given the complexities of integrating such powerful AI models, the feature could be delayed or even scrapped altogether. Apple has yet to make an official announcement regarding Gemini integration.
This news comes alongside Apple’s confirmation that Apple Intelligence will finally launch in the European Union with the release of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 in April. This update will also bring expanded language support for the AI suite, broadening its accessibility.
