“Can you direct me to a nice coffee shop where I can work?” I asked my iPhone’s voice assistant.
“I’ll need ChatGPT for that,” Siri replied during my recent interaction with Apple’s assistant. Conversely, Google's Gemini provided exactly what I was looking for.
Soon, Gemini will bring its functionality to iPhones, stepping in to cover the areas where Siri falls short. During a pivotal trial regarding Google’s search monopoly, CEO Sundar Pichai revealed there could be a collaboration with Apple for Gemini to be integrated on iPhones in the near future.
“Pichai mentioned he has had several discussions with Apple’s CEO Tim Cook throughout 2024 and anticipates finalizing a deal by mid-year,” according to a Bloomberg report.
What’s the current situation?
Google is actively reforming Google Assistant by replacing it with Gemini across devices ranging from Android phones to Wear OS wearables. This change is significant since Gemini offers enhanced capabilities beyond what Google Assistant can perform.
From performing in-depth research to managing tasks across a variety of applications, Gemini represents a monumental step forward for virtual assistants. Amazon has implemented a similar strategy with its Alexa+ assistant.
In contrast, Siri has struggled to keep pace with recent AI advancements, despite being an early leader in the field. This has led Apple to partner with OpenAI, utilizing ChatGPT to bridge the gaps in Siri's functionality.
ChatGPT has increasingly taken over tasks ranging from writing support to general inquiries. However, integration is not yet flawless, requiring users to sometimes open the ChatGPT app for tasks that Siri alone cannot perform.
Why does the Google deal matter?
Once an agreement is established between Google and Apple, Gemini could significantly enhance Siri’s abilities, emulating the current role of ChatGPT within the Apple ecosystem. This would allow users to select their preferred AI assistant on iPhones, similar to choosing a default browser.
This isn't the first indication that Gemini might function natively within iOS. Following last year’s WWDC, Apple’s senior executive Craig Federighi hinted at a future where users can select their AI model, specifically mentioning Gemini.
Subsequent news has revealed ongoing discussions between Google and Apple about Gemini’s integration. Recently, a code dive revealed references to Gemini as a potential native option within Apple's framework. Following Pichai's statements, an announcement of Gemini's integration may be made during the upcoming WWDC conference in June.
Currently, Gemini is accessible to iPhone users, but only through the app or by setting up home and lock screen widgets. I have extensively utilized this non-native method, and it has proven to be significantly more efficient than Siri. Even newer assistants like Perplexity are more capable in various tasks.
I am optimistic that once Gemini becomes natively integrated into iOS, users will be able to activate it seamlessly through Siri. Gemini could handle all the tasks that Siri struggles with, serving as a temporary solution until Apple revitalizes Siri and re-establishes its innovative edge.
