iPhone users appear to be addressing the AI deficiency on their devices with Gemini. Apple’s notably sluggish entry into the AI arena has been extensively recorded, and Apple Intelligence has not facilitated meaningful progress. Even collaborations with OpenAI and ChatGPT did little to enable the iPhone to rival mobile AI offerings such as Google AI or Galaxy AI.
It seems Apple has gleaned insights from its past at the iPhone 16 event; rather than proclaiming ambitious feature objectives alongside the iPhone 17 that it couldn’t meet, it opted not to mention artificial intelligence whatsoever. The lack of discussion regarding Apple Intelligence at the company’s recent keynote was not particularly surprising, considering significant features revealed a year earlier are still not operational. This raises two key questions: does Apple truly need AI to market iPhones, and do iPhone users genuinely desire it?
The response to the first question remains uncertain, but it’s clear that Apple’s users do value AI. Google’s Gemini app for iOS has recently surpassed ChatGPT to become the top free app on the App Store. This marks a significant victory for Google, indicating a shift in momentum from ChatGPT to Gemini. Furthermore, it suggests that while Apple’s internal AI initiatives may be stagnant, iPhone users are finding their mobile AI solutions elsewhere.
Why Apple hardly mentioned AI during its iPhone 17 event
Apple’s fall keynote was sparse in AI features, with the main highlight being Live Translation on the AirPods Pro 3 and earlier versions. Apple concentrated on practical applications of AI, like Live Translation, which eliminates communication obstacles by translating discussions into your chosen language instantly. A similar approach is reflected in Workout Buddy, an AI feature for Apple Watch that aids you with fitness insights throughout your workout.
The framing of new functionalities as practical remedies to real-world challenges stands in stark contrast to Apple’s past discourse on AI. At previous WWDC keynotes and launch events, the company boasted about Apple Intelligence features in conventional generative AI settings, such as text modification, image generation, and voice assistance.
The issue with the latter method is that Apple’s foundational models do not measure up to those of Google or OpenAI, meaning Apple Intelligence can seldom compete with Gemini or ChatGPT in standard generative AI tasks. Instead, the company’s opportunity to make an impression in the AI domain lies in specific features that utilize Apple hardware for distinct purposes, akin to Live Translation or Workout Buddy.
While the business is still endeavoring to enhance Apple Intelligence’s functions, it is opting to discuss those generative AI features in press releases rather than extended keynote presentations. After all, it’s evident that rivals offer superior experiences in text and image creation as well as voice assistance compared to Apple Intelligence and Siri. Now, this is reflected by iPhone users in the App Store’s leading charts.
Why Gemini serves as a better alternative for iOS users than ChatGPT
Gemini is currently the top free app on the App Store, an impressive accomplishment that demonstrates the progress Google AI has made. With 483,000 ratings, the Gemini app for iOS boasts 4.8 out of five stars, showcasing exceptional performance. It also ranks as the number one app in the productivity category, surpassing ChatGPT and Google’s Gmail app.
Among the numerous reviews for the Gemini app on the App Store, one stands out in illustrating why Apple users are turning to Google for their AI requirements. “I wasn’t sure if this app would work as advertised but it absolutely does,” writes user Jrich828. “Siri does not work as well for me but Gemini has managed to answer all my quirky questions. Love it!”
This encapsulates the reason why iPhone users are increasingly adopting Gemini. It’s not solely that Google’s AI is beneficial — that alone wouldn’t suffice for those within the Apple ecosystem to give Gemini a shot. More importantly, it’s that Apple Intelligence and Siri are not meeting a demand, prompting iOS users to seek out better options.
Even though it’s just one app review, the above sentiment is quite widespread among Apple enthusiasts. Siri has lagged behind since the days of Google Assistant, and Gemini can easily outperform Apple’s AI offerings. Additionally, Gemini is particularly user-friendly on iPhone. You can place Gemini widgets on your home and lock screens for quick access, and even launch the app using a voice command if you’re adept with Shortcuts.
Even as Apple collaborates with ChatGPT for Apple Intelligence, users are making an effort to explore Gemini. Beyond the aforementioned reasons, I speculate iOS users are keen to engage with Google AI due to their familiarity with other Google applications and services, such as Gmail, Search, or YouTube. The Google ecosystem may not be as recognizable as Apple’s, but it is not entirely alien either.
Gemini’s rise to the top free app on the App Store signifies that iPhone users have made their preferences known.
