Apple to 'distill' Google's Gemini into smaller models to power localized iPhone AI features: Report

Apple had announced its partnership with Google to use Gemini to power the latest version of Siri along with other Apple Intelligence features but the finer details of that arrangement had remained under wraps. Now as per a new report by The Information, under the arrangement, Apple gets full access to the Gemini model in its own data center which gives the iPhone maker the right to produce smaller models for specific tasks that are small enough to run directly on Apple devices.

With a smaller model, Apple also gets the flexibility of spending less computing power, allowing them to run on device. The report also confirms that Apple is planning to unveil the smarter version of Siri at the WWDC conference in June this year which would allow the voice assistant to remmember past conversations it had with users and even suggest proactive responses like ‘they leave home to avoid traffic ahead of an airport pickup.’

Moreover, Apple's Foundation Models team has also not reportedly given up on developing its own in-house models but it's not clear what the progress on that front has been.

The app would give users access to all their past conversations with the AI assistant right from its main interface. It will also come with the ability to pin favourite chats, save older conversations, search across interations and start new conversations via a plus button inside the app.

The new Siri app will work similar to any other chatbot out there with the option to upload attachments like images and documents, send text and images and a switch to tune in and out of voice mode. The app will also reportedly have the ability to suggest prompts to users based on their prior usage.

Meanwhile, Apple is also planning to develop Siri as a system-wide AI agent that could be deeply integrated across applications. Thew new Siri will reportedly have better control over features within the iPhones and Mac while also having the ability to tap into the personal data of users like messages, notes and emails. The revamped Siri will also be able to powr complete tasks wihtin apps, access news and search the web using Apple's built-in interfaces and models.