Bloomberg reported on Monday, the two tech giants are in talks to build Google's artificial intelligence engine Gemini into the iPhone.
Citing people familiar with the situation, the report said Apple's upcoming iPhone software update is set to include new capabilities based on its own AI models, but that the company is seeking a partner to power generative AI features, including functions for creating images and writing essays based on simple prompts.
The two parties are still discussing terms of the partnership, and Bloomberg added it was unlikely that any deal would be announced until Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
The world's biggest phonemaker has also held discussions with Microsoft-backed OpenAI, and considered using its model, according to the report.
Apple, Google and OpenAI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside business hours.
Apple has been slower in rolling out generative AI than rivals Microsoft and Google, which are already weaving them into products.
Last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company will disclose more about its future plans for generative AI later this year, adding that the company is investing "significantly" in the area.
