April 30, 2025 — Washington, D.C.: Google says Gemini support on iPhones is close, with a formal agreement with Apple expected by mid-2025 and a full rollout by year-end, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. The announcement came during an antitrust trial where Google’s AI ambitions and platform integrations took center stage.
Pichai confirmed under questioning from Department of Justice attorney Veronica Onyema that Google is actively working on bringing Gemini AI to Apple devices, including Siri-powered enhancements through Apple’s proprietary AI platform, Apple Intelligence.
What Will Gemini on iPhone Look Like?
Google’s Gemini AI is expected to integrate with Apple Intelligence, enhancing features such as:
- Advanced Siri queries
- Smart proofreading and rewriting
- AI-based summarisation
- Text generation and creative assistance in writing tools
This is similar to Apple’s announced integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but now gives users the potential to choose between different AI models, providing flexibility and competition in the iOS ecosystem.
Behind the Scenes: Google and Apple Collaboration
Pichai disclosed that he has had direct discussions with Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding the Gemini rollout. The cooperation highlights an ongoing trend at Apple to partner with multiple AI providers, ensuring users have access to leading large language models.
At WWDC24, Apple’s Craig Federighi, SVP of Software Engineering, emphasized this strategy:
“We want to enable users ultimately to choose the models they want, maybe Google Gemini in the future.”
This marks a significant evolution in Apple’s typically closed software ecosystem, reflecting a broader multi-model AI integration strategy.
Timeline for Gemini on iPhones
- Mid-2025: Expected formal partnership announcement between Google and Apple
- Late 2025: Anticipated public rollout of Gemini support on iPhones and iPads, as part of iOS 19 updates
- Gemini may power features within Siri, Safari, and Notes, as well as third-party writing apps
Strategic and Financial Implications
This potential agreement could expand the already lucrative relationship between Apple and Google. Google currently pays Apple billions annually to remain the default search engine on Safari and Spotlight.
Adding Gemini to iOS would:
- Deepen Google’s AI distribution strategy
- Solidify Google’s footprint in the Apple ecosystem
- Position Gemini as a viable alternative to ChatGPT for everyday users
OpenAI vs Google: AI Rivalry Reaches Apple
With ChatGPT already integrated into Apple Intelligence, the addition of Gemini would set the stage for:
- Side-by-side comparisons of major AI models
- Enhanced user agency in AI tool selection
- Increased competitive pressure on both OpenAI and Google to innovate
This competition could benefit users, ensuring better performance, privacy, and functionality across the Apple device family.
Final Thoughts
With confirmation that Google says Gemini support on iPhones is close, the AI arms race is shifting into the iOS ecosystem. As Apple prepares to let users choose between top-tier AI models, the upcoming integration of Gemini promises a more flexible, feature-rich AI experience on iPhones.
If the timeline holds, late 2025 could redefine mobile AI, marking a rare but strategic alliance between two tech titans—and giving users more power, choice, and performance than ever before.
