TL;DR
The Verge argues that Apple has fallen behind in the generative AI race after an uneven Apple Intelligence rollout. Despite those missteps, the company continued to sell iPhones, and recent reporting says Apple will rely on Google's Gemini models for its long‑awaited AI features.
What happened
A recent piece in The Verge frames Apple as having lost ground in the public contest over generative AI. The outlet describes Apple Intelligence’s rollout as messy and embarrassing, yet notes the company's core hardware business kept performing well through the period. In the latest development, reporting this week indicates Apple plans to use Google’s Gemini AI models to power the long‑awaited AI functionality it has been promoting. The writeup juxtaposes Apple’s product and marketing challenges around its AI efforts with resilient iPhone sales, suggesting the company's commercial position remains strong even as it recalibrates its approach to foundational AI technology.
Why it matters
- If Apple integrates external models like Gemini, it signals a strategic pivot in how the company sources key AI components rather than relying solely on in‑house models.
- The episode highlights a tension between product rollout quality and commercial momentum: strong device sales can coexist with high‑profile software or strategy missteps.
- Using a major external model could reshape competition among Apple, Google and other AI platform players, affecting where these ecosystems place their bets.
- Potential implications for user experience, privacy and developer access depend on integration details that the report does not fully specify.
Key facts
- The Verge published an article arguing that Apple has 'lost the AI race' while facing troubles in its Apple Intelligence rollout.
- The rollout of Apple Intelligence was described in the piece as messy and embarrassing.
- Despite those issues, Apple continued to sell iPhones strongly during the period covered by the reporting.
- This week’s reporting indicates Apple will use Google’s Gemini models to power its long‑awaited AI features.
- The Verge framed the situation as a contrast between Apple’s AI struggles and the company’s ongoing commercial success with hardware.
- The reporting dates to January 15, 2026, per the source metadata.
- Specific technical, contractual or product rollout details about the Gemini integration were not provided in the excerpt.
What to watch next
- How Apple plans to technically integrate Gemini models with Apple Intelligence and Siri — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the Gemini integration will change data handling, privacy or on‑device processing policies — not confirmed in the source.
- How competitors and regulators respond to Apple relying on an outside foundational model for flagship AI features.
Quick glossary
- Generative AI: A class of artificial intelligence that can produce new content—text, images, code or audio—based on patterns learned from large datasets.
- Large language model (LLM): A type of generative AI trained on extensive text data to generate human‑like language and perform related tasks.
- Gemini: A family of AI models developed by Google, used for language and multimodal tasks; referenced in the reporting as the model Apple will employ.
- Siri: Apple’s voice assistant software, designed to handle voice commands and queries on Apple devices.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple’s branded set of AI features and tools intended to enhance device functionality and user experiences.
Reader FAQ
Did Apple officially admit it lost the AI race?
The Verge’s article argues Apple has lost ground in the AI race; an official admission from Apple is not confirmed in the source.
Is Apple using Google’s Gemini models?
The reporting states Apple will use Gemini models to power its long‑awaited AI features, according to the excerpt.
Will this change how Siri works?
The excerpt implies a connection between Gemini and Apple’s AI features but does not confirm specific changes to Siri.
Does this mean Apple will stop developing in‑house AI?
Not confirmed in the source.
Siri, are you there? It’s me, Gemini. For an AI loser, Apple did an awful lot of winning last year. The mess that was the Apple Intelligence rollout was embarrassing,…
Sources
- Apple lost the AI race — now the real challenge starts
- Everyone is a loser in the Apple Intelligence race – iOS Discussions on …
- I hate when people say Apple's losing the “AI race”
- How Apple Is Buying an AI Strategy From Google
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