Apple is contemplating incorporating Baidu's artificial intelligence technologies for its iOS 18 integration. According to The Wall Street Journal, initial talks have been held about using Baidu's generative AI for devices in the Chinese market. Here are the details:
Apple is evaluating Baidu's AI model for iOS 18 due to its own AI technologies not being sufficiently developed, leading it to seek collaborations with external tech sources. Apple aims to utilize AI to improve features like the voice assistant on iPhones, photo editing, and email drafting. However, in China, apps must comply with regulatory approvals, thus local AI models' supervision is dictated by these regulations. Over 40 generative AI models, including Baidu's Ernie Bot, have been approved in China so far. For markets outside China, Apple plans to negotiate with Google on AI matters. Recent developments indicate that Apple is discussing licensing Google's Gemini AI to integrate it into iOS 18.
Despite Apple's development of its comprehensive language model known as Ajax and a simple chatbot, Apple GPT, the company's products are not considered market-ready yet. Apple faces increasing competition with local rivals in China, its largest foreign market. While seeking AI models for iOS 18, recent reports reveal a 24% drop in iPhone sales in China during the first six weeks of 2023, while Huawei, facing US sanctions, saw a 64% increase in sales.
Apple's discussions with Baidu reflect its search for local solutions in the Chinese market and its effort to acquire strong AI technologies for the global market. These moves indicate how the company plans to position itself in the competitive technology market.