Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest trend in the technology industry that is revolutionizing the way we use our smartphones. While hardware upgrades have been less surprising in recent years, companies like Apple and Google are making new arguments why you should invest in the next big thing: AI. The launch of Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini introduces two innovative platforms that turn your smartphone into a more powerful digital assistant. But what's behind these two systems, and which AI platform really makes your phone more useful?
The evolution of smartphones seemed to have almost stagnated in recent years. Displays became larger and brighter, battery life improved, but the way people interacted remained largely unchanged. But now the integration of AI brings completely new functions that significantly improve the way you use your phone. Apple and Google have developed in this direction, but in very different ways. While Google is relying on a tried and tested platform with Gemini that has been gradually expanded, Apple Intelligence is a comprehensive concept that is deeply integrated into the entire ecosystem. Below we take a detailed look at both systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and the question of which platform is better suited to your needs.
Apple Intelligence vs. Google Gemini: The Difference at a Glance
At first glance, Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini seem to have similar goals: they both want to optimize your interaction with the smartphone by automating and simplifying tasks. However, the fundamental difference between the two platforms lies in the way they implement these tasks. Apple Intelligence is part of the entire Apple ecosystem and is integrated so seamlessly that you hardly notice the AI in everyday life. This is very different from Google Gemini, which started as a standalone chatbot and has now evolved into a versatile AI platform. Gemini is also integrated into many Google services such as Gmail, Google Docs and Google Assistant, but the functions vary depending on the device. Here, Apple relies on standardization, as all supported devices offer the same functionality.
functions in comparison
A key consideration when choosing between Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini is the feature set of the two platforms. Although many features are similar, there are key differences in the depth of integration and user experience.
Digital Assistant:
- Apple Intelligence has greatly improved Siri, allowing you to perform tasks across different apps without having to open them manually. For example, you could ask Siri to send photos from a specific location to a contact without having to open the Photos or Messages app. Google Gemini, on the other hand, still has some catching up to do here. While the Google Assistant has become significantly more powerful thanks to Gemini, it lacks seamless integration across multiple apps, which requires a certain amount of extra effort.
Screen context and personalization:
- Another powerful feature of Apple Intelligence is the ability to access the contents of your screen and provide personalized responses based on that information. So if you have a message on your screen, Siri can immediately process it and suggest appropriate actions without you having to manually pass the context. With Google Gemini, on the other hand, you have to explicitly share the current screen each time so that the AI can use it. This is less intuitive and requires additional steps.
Photo editing:
- Google does not use Gemini for image-related tasks, but rather a special model called Imagen 2. This is capable of performing impressive image editing with the Magic Editor in Google Photos, such as removing objects, replacing skies or adding effects. Apple Intelligence offers similar functions, but on a more limited scale. Here you can remove objects from photos (clean-up) but the editing options are less extensive than with Google.
AI-generated images:
- Apple has a new app called Image Playground that allows you to create AI-generated images and emojis based on your contacts or custom descriptions. These images can then be easily inserted into chat apps. Google Gemini also offers image generation, but it relies on text-based input and is less personalized.
Email and Productivity:
- Apple Intelligence also has some advantages in terms of productivity. The AI can summarize your emails on the device and give you suggestions for automatic replies. The "Smart Reply" feature analyzes incoming messages and creates replies based on their content that you can use right away. Google Gemini offers similar features, but many of them are available in the paid Gemini Advanced version, which can be a disadvantage for users who don't want to book an additional service.
Writing tools:
- This is where Apple really stands out. You can use features like proofreading, summarizing, or paraphrasing in any text field throughout the operating system. These writing tools are available system-wide and are a huge benefit for users who work a lot with text. Google Gemini offers similar tools via Samsung Keyboard integration, but this is limited to certain devices and not all Android smartphones have access to these features.
Voice chat:
- One area where Google Gemini has an advantage is voice chat. While Apple Intelligence can respond to individual questions, longer conversations with Siri are not currently possible. Gemini, on the other hand, offers a hands-free chat feature with Gemini Live, where you can have longer conversations that feel very natural. This type of feature is especially useful when you're on the go and need to keep your hands free.
Availability and supported devices: Apple Intelligence vs. Google Gemini
A key difference between Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini is availability and device support, especially in the international market and language support. Apple has limited its AI platform to newer devices. Apple Intelligence will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro series and iPhone 16 models. On the tablet and desktop side, Apple supports AI on iPads and MacBooks with M1 chip or newer. Older devices such as iPhones before the 15 series, older iPads, or Macs with Intel chips do not have access to Apple Intelligence, even with cloud-based features. This means that users of older devices have no way to use the AI features.
language and regional availability
Apple is rolling out its AI features gradually, starting in the US and English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. The EU and languages like German will not be supported until 2025. This will delay the rollout for many users around the world and cause frustration for those waiting for these new features in Europe and other regions.
Google Gemini: Flexible and available worldwide
Google Gemini takes a different approach: It is already available on almost all Android devices, even older and cheaper models. Many of the features, such as Gemini Nano integration, are optimized on devices such as the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel. In addition, Google Gemini offers broad language support from the start, including German, making it an attractive option for European and international users. In comparison, Google Gemini is more flexible in terms of availability and language support and is faster to access worldwide, while Apple Intelligence remains limited to the latest devices and is rolled out more slowly internationally.
Data protection: A critical factor
In today's world, where privacy is becoming increasingly important, how user data is handled is a crucial criterion. Apple has clearly recognized this and places great emphasis on ensuring that all AI tasks that can be performed on the device are handled locally. Only when a request is too complex is data sent to Apple's Private Cloud Compute, and even then this data is not stored. This gives users the assurance that their private information is safe and will not be used to improve AI models. Google takes a different approach here.
Cloud-based processing: How Google Gemini uses your data
Many of Google Gemini's features are cloud-based, and data is stored on Google's servers to train future AI models. This means you should be aware that your interactions may be used to improve the AI's performance. Although Google offers the option to turn off AI training, doing so will also mean you lose access to some advanced features like chat history and integration with other Google apps.
Are Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini free?
Another important consideration is the question of cost. Both platforms are basically available for free, but there are differences in the features they offer. Apple Intelligence is completely free to use, although you can link a ChatGPT Plus account to access certain premium features. Google Gemini also offers a free version, but there is a paid Gemini Advanced tier that offers higher quality responses and additional features such as integration with Gmail and Google Docs.
Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini in direct comparison: Which counts more?
In summary, both Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini offer impressive features that significantly improve the user experience. Apple scores with seamless integration across the entire ecosystem, deep embedding in the operating system, and a strong focus on data protection. However, availability is limited to newer and more expensive devices, making it difficult for many users to take full advantage of Apple Intelligence. Google Gemini, on the other hand, is much more flexible and available on a wider range of devices.
What is more important to you: data protection with Apple or flexibility with Google?
While Google's privacy policies are less user-friendly, Gemini offers a wider range of features, especially for users who want to make use of extensive cloud-based services. Ultimately, the choice between the two services comes down to what is more important to you: privacy and seamless integration or flexibility and advanced features. Both platforms have their strengths, and depending on how you use your smartphone, one or the other might be a better fit for you. Looking for the best accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a variety of products from top providers, including for HomeKit! (Image: Apple)
