Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai has expressed hope that an agreement with Apple to integrate Google's Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) technology into new iPhone models can be reached by mid-year.
Pichai made the statement while testifying at an antitrust trial held by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington. The trial is addressing Google's practice of paying billions of dollars to major tech companies such as Apple, Samsung, AT&T, and Verizon to remain the default search engine on new mobile devices.
Responding to questions from DOJ attorney Veronica Onyema, Pichai confirmed that while no formal agreement has yet been reached, he discussed the potential collaboration with Apple CEO Tim Cook last year.
If the deal goes through, Google's AI technology could be integrated into Apple’s own AI suite known as “Apple Intelligence.” Pichai also noted that Google plans to test advertising within its Gemini app in the near future.
Prosecutors are aiming to demonstrate that Google is attempting to extend its dominance in online search into the AI space. Last year, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google has maintained its monopoly partly by paying mobile manufacturers and carriers.
Judge Mehta is now considering what measures Google must take to restore fair competition. The outcome could significantly impact the future of the internet and potentially alter Google's role as the primary gateway to information online.
The DOJ and a coalition of state attorneys general are advocating for remedies including forcing Google to sell its Chrome browser, banning payments for default search status, and requiring the company to share search data with competitors.
Pichai argued that such provisions—especially those involving sharing of its search index and query data—would amount to a substantial weakening of the company’s intellectual property: “These measures would essentially allow others to recreate Google Search, making it unfeasible to continue investing in research and development as we have over the past 20 years.”
Google has stated that it plans to appeal the final ruling once it is issued.
